I have wondered now and again when a story doesn't connect with an audience is it because of the idea behind it or in the execution of the idea. I tend to side with the way it is executed.
Case in point is three versions of that sci fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still. I say three versions because the original story that inspired both film versions has a connection with the theme that all three versions share despite being separated by generations.
This theme is our reaction to being made aware of proof of the existence of extra terrestrial life and how we are judged as a species by that life. Ultimately our response to that encounter helps us grow or, in other versions of this kind of tale, destroys us.
To start with the tale that inspired these works we have to look at Harry Bates' original tale "Farewell to the Master". This short story involves a reporter dealing with the aftermath of an arrival of an alien ambassador protected by a robotic machine who'd been accidentally killed when first arriving. The robot never moves while it stands sentry over the tomb put up to commemorate the event. The reporter suspects that this robot can move and is up to something. The story details what he finds.
Robert Wise's version of The Day The Earth Stood Still takes the broad plot of the story and tailored it to the politics of the day of Soviet era Cold War Red Scare and McCarthyism. Scott Derrickson's version takes the same broad strokes in the plot and builds a convincing first contact scenario. But in that scenario the reasons for the contact are about environmental destruction.
In both of these versions the ambassador is there to deliver an ultimatum to the planet. The ambassador has an experience with a cross section of humanity and both beings are changed by that experience. The short story is most different in that there is a sense of loss with this first contact scenario. There isn't an ultimatum delivered. Both films invented one for the eras in which they were made. The reporter mourns about what they could have learned from this ambassador. I won't spoil it here but what the reporter discovers gives us hope for all.
Your mileage will vary but I think both movie versions are successful in selling their ideas. The reasons for the ultimatum change due to changing times of course but neither lose sight of the opportunity to learn. Missteps happen but that's what drives the plot. They are working from a scenario which is a hard sell to begin with. You have been measured and found wanting. Fix your problems or face the consequences. I think both versions fail in one regard for both their messages in that they have to expressly spell out the message with speeches and then also respond with speeches. It is very much "on the nose" as writing instructors would say.
For the evil version of this scenario check out The New Twilight Zone episode "A Small Talent For War."
In some ways I think the original story sold the idea the best by leaving out the ultimatum. Simply mourning the loss of an opportunity to learn from another species is the greatest missed opportunity.
