Detailed Summary
The Mysterious Sunglasses
The movie follows John Nada (Roddy Piper), a drifter who arrives in Los Angeles looking for work. He stumbles upon a group of people involved in a secret resistance movement. In a church, Nada discovers a box of sunglasses that, when worn, reveal a hidden reality. Through the lenses, he sees the world as it truly is: black-and-white, with subliminal messages like “Obey,” “Consume,” and “Submit” hidden everywhere. Even more shocking, the sunglasses reveal that many people, especially those in positions of power, are actually aliens in human disguise.
Nada’s Awakening
Shocked by this revelation, Nada decides to take matters into his own hands. He tries to convince others of the truth but is met with disbelief. Realizing he’s on his own, Nada starts a one-man war against the alien invaders, famously uttering the line, “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
The Fight with Frank
Nada tries to convince his coworker, Frank Armitage (Keith David), to join the fight. Frank refuses, leading to a brutal, extended fistfight in an alley. This scene has become one of the most iconic and parodied fights in film history. Eventually, Frank puts on the sunglasses and sees the truth, reluctantly joining Nada in his battle against the aliens.
The Resistance and the Broadcast Station
Nada and Frank discover that the aliens are using a broadcast signal from a TV station to disguise their appearance and control humanity. They team up with the resistance group to destroy the source of the signal. The film culminates in a chaotic showdown at the TV station, where Nada sacrifices himself to destroy the alien transmitter, revealing the true nature of the world to everyone.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a darkly humorous note. With the alien signal destroyed, people everywhere see the aliens for what they truly are. In the final scene, a woman realizes during an intimate moment that the man she’s with is an alien, leading to a mix of shock and disgust. Nada’s sacrifice exposes the truth, but his fate and the broader implications for humanity are left ambiguous.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “They Live” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“They Live” is a science fiction action thriller with strong satirical elements, especially critiquing consumerism, media influence, and the power structures in society.
Cast
- Roddy Piper as John Nada
- Keith David as Frank Armitage
- Meg Foster as Holly Thompson
- George ‘Buck’ Flower as Drifter
Film Music and Composer
The film’s music is composed by John Carpenter, who also directed the movie. The score is a blend of bluesy, synthesized sounds that enhances the film’s eerie and rebellious atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Downtown Los Angeles, California: The cityscape of LA plays a crucial role in setting the film’s dystopian tone.
- MacArthur Park, Los Angeles: The location where Nada first discovers the sunglasses and the hidden truth.
These locations reflect the gritty, urban decay that underscores the film’s social commentary.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, “They Live” has gained a cult following over the years and is often discussed in film circles for its unique blend of social critique and science fiction.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The iconic fight scene between Roddy Piper and Keith David was supposed to be just 20 seconds long but was extended to nearly six minutes after Piper and David suggested making it more elaborate.
- Roddy Piper, a professional wrestler, performed most of his own stunts in the film.
- John Carpenter was inspired by his own frustrations with the commercialization of media and the Reagan-era politics of the 1980s when making the film.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is loosely based on the short story “Eight O’Clock in the Morning” by Ray Nelson.
- Satire of Consumer Culture: The film critiques the pervasive influence of consumerism and media, drawing parallels to George Orwell’s “1984.”
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for “They Live.” The final cut closely aligns with Carpenter’s vision for the film.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“They Live” is not directly based on a novel but takes inspiration from Nelson’s short story, expanding the concept into a full-length feature that delves deeper into themes of control and resistance.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Discovery: Nada puts on the sunglasses for the first time and sees the world in its true form.
- The Fight: The intense, almost comedic alley fight between Nada and Frank over wearing the sunglasses.
- TV Station Showdown: The final battle where Nada and Frank storm the TV station to destroy the alien signal.
Iconic Quotes
- “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubblegum.” – John Nada
- “The Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Drifter
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s black-and-white scenes when Nada wears the sunglasses pay homage to classic 1950s sci-fi movies.
- The subliminal messages seen through the sunglasses, like “Obey” and “Consume,” have become iconic symbols in pop culture and street art.
Trivia
- Roddy Piper improvised the famous “bubblegum” line, which became one of the most memorable quotes in film history.
- John Carpenter used the pseudonym “Frank Armitage” (Keith David’s character’s name) as a nod to H.P. Lovecraft, an author Carpenter admires.
- The sunglasses used in the movie have become a popular symbol of anti-establishment and counter-culture movements.
Why Watch?
“They Live” is a clever blend of action, science fiction, and social commentary that remains relevant today. Its critique of consumer culture and media manipulation resonates, while its iconic scenes and memorable quotes make it a must-watch for fans of genre films.
Director’s Other Movies
- Halloween (1978)
- Escape from New York (1981)
- The Thing (1982)
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
- In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Thing (1982)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- Videodrome (1983)
- Escape from New York (1981)
- Brazil (1985)
