Closer is a new play based on The Day the Earth Stood Still. That’s Closer as in “he moved closer to it,” not “he was the show closer.” Contrary to what I thought when I tried to remember if I had seen the story before and what it was, The Day the Earth Stood Still is also not The War of the Worlds, which originated as a radio play that caused mass panic because people thought aliens had really come to Earth.
I’ve recently begun compiling a list of books, movies, and other entertainment that have inspired my science fiction saga over the years. I can’t remember if I’ve seen either the 1951 film The Day the Earth Stood Still or the 2008 remake, but the concept of an alien coming to Earth and threatening to kill all of humanity unless they committed to changing their ways sounded very familiar. Hmm… That’s almost like something I wrote.
Then again, I’m sure this idea has been rehashed in multiple other stories and mediums. I just have yet to find the one that inspired me. There’s also a theory in the UFO-community that if aliens ever did come to Earth, it would be to encourage peace and harmony with the planet. I may have gotten the idea from that.
I do want to see the 2008 remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still though to see if it looks familiar. Plus, Keanu Reeves is the perfect actor to play an alien.