""No Robbie! Not like Europe!""
I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise, but I love all of Speilberg's stuff. This was one of my favorite H.G. Welles novels, and it wasn't done justice in the 1953 original version of the film. The novel itself was published in the 1890s, so it would be considerably different than any of the filmed versions, of which there are many. Some popular. Some completely unknown. This version takes place in 2005 New York to Massachusetts, while the original took place in England as the novel did.
One thing that is noticeable immediately is the design of the tripod, and how it is just as chilling as the aliens within, which were supposed to reflect the tripod's design, so the audience would focus more on the scary looking vehicle rather than their alien operators. After all, it is the tripods that are seen to cause the most damage and death on screen, and therefore are given their own lifelike appearance, so it's as if the alien drivers are just curious critters rather than ravenous monsters.
Also, the original film didn't have tripods like those that were described in the novel so vividly, but were instead hovering spaceships emerging from the ground after meteor collisions. The whole concept of the tripods were skipped, which was disappointing for that take of the story.
The basement scenes with Harlon Oglivy are copied directly from the novel as they were NOT depicted in the original. Just one more reason for fans to see this version of it. Of course they're given a 21st Century adjustment.
The same overall message is still present, as at the time of it's original publication, scientists and biologists were trying to eradicate all forms of deadly virus' and diseases, when it is those very things that put an abrupt end to the vicious alien invasion. Most understand and accept this message in the climax, while many do not. Either way, it still rings true today, and is a great adaptation of the classic novel nonetheless.
Though interest in this classic tale was rekindled when the October 1938 radio broadcast of the story by Orson Welles had people across the country shooting at water-towers, taking shelter, preparing for war, and committing suicide. But only for one night. Though if ever asked if he only STATED that he was reading from the novel ONCE to scare those late to tune in on purpose, Orson Welles will neither admit or deny it, but instead will just give a wry smile.
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