Spielberg's War of the Worlds

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Back in 2004, I was contacted by someone from Steven's Spielberg's company, Electric Light and Magic. They said they were looking for some imagery for a film (which she couldn't mention) to be released the following year. and were inspired by my work.

Naturally I was delighted they had even seen my work and even more thrilled at the prospect of my imagery being used in a movie. There was no mention of the film's title, it was still hush-hush, but the following year 'The War of the Worlds' was released. Unfortunately they didn't use my imagery (as far as I know) but it's nice to think that my imagery made an impression and got noticed.

The images below are in some way inspired by the movie. These are not the original images which were in question but are a film photographs with this sci-fi genre in mind.

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I was driving back home from shooting some landscape when I saw a row of electricity pylons that looked quite dramatic against the sky. I knew the black and white film I had in my Bronica would work with this subject, so I pulled over and grabbed my camera. The pylons were in a field and not easily accessible (for obvious reasons). I jumped a ditch, nearly falling in it, only to find an opening 50 metres down the road (note to self - look before leaping).

As I approached the pylon I was a little nervous to be honest. I don't know about you, but pylons scare the b-gessus out of me, they look so menacing and you know they're dangerous. The pylon was buzzing and making crackling sounds. I got as close as needed with my 40mm lens (about 28mm in 135 terms), composed my shot, then pressed the shutter.

The other shots are of a water tower Ive driven by lots of times and always wanted to shoot. Im hoping to go back to get permission to go inside to get closer.

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The War of the Worlds (1898), by H. G. Wells, is an early science fiction novel, describing an invasion of late Victorian England by Martians using Tripod fighting machines, equipped with advanced weaponry. It is considered one of the most important foundation works of Science Fiction, and the seminal depiction of an alien invasion of Earth.

The novel is narrated by an anonymous journalist, living in the area where the invaders first land. Throughout the narrative he struggles to reunite with his wife and brother, while witnessing the Martians spreading destruction across the Southern English counties and London itself, destroying all human resistance. Finding London an abandoned ruin, and seeing little hope for humankind, he decides to sacrifice himself to the invaders, only to discover that they have succumbed to the effects of Earth bacteria, to which they have no immunity.

It has been related to Invasion Literature, which was common at the time of publication. It has been interpreted as a commentary on evolutionary theory, Colonialism, Imperialism and The British Empire, and the fears and prejudices of late Victorian culture.

It has influenced many works of literature, film and other media, as well as spawning several films, radio dramas, comic book adaptations, a television series, and a number of sequels or parallel stories written by other authors.








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