They Live !

You see Them on the street. You watch Them on TV.
You might even vote for one this fall.
You think they're people just like you.
You're wrong. Dead wrong.
THEY LIVE!


This short story, entitled "Eight O'Clock in the Morning," by Ray Nelson, was the inspiration for the brilliant 1988 John Carpenter cult classic They Live. This short story is quite different from the film however. (The violence toward the female character is not an element of the film, although there is quite a bit of violence in it). Also, as this story is quite short, there is more development of the plot in the film, with more detailing of the underground resistance movements and their infiltration and destruction plans. The most notable element that is present in both versions is the instructive signage, such as OBEY, CONSUME, WATCH TV, CONFORM, MARRY AND REPRODUCE, SLEEP, and NO THOUGHT. These images are hidden from view by normal advertisements, but appear when one wears special sunglasses that allow one to "wake up." Here is a shot from the film:


The special sunglasses also allow one to see the true nature of people, whether they are human or a horrible decaying zombie-like skeleton/alien creature, as many politicians and others turn out to be:



Here's a short clip showing how the glasses work in a supermarket.

If you are so inclined, here is a link to the entire film. Enjoy!