Final answer:
As a thriller movie, 'War of the Worlds' captivates with its story of the Martian invasion, drawing on widespread public interest in extraterrestrial themes and societal fears, while employing dramatic cinematic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2005 film adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds is a suspenseful thriller that captures audiences with its intense plot, dramatic special effects, and a gripping story of alien invasion. The War of the Worlds draws upon the public's fascination with extraterrestrial life and invasion scenarios, a concept popularized by Wells in his 1897 novel, which reflected the ideas of the era, particularly those of astronomer Percival Lowell. The story's resonance with the fears and interests of society, particularly during periods of tension such as the Cold War, as reflected in films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, contributes to the thriller's impact. Furthermore, the legendary 1938 radio drama adaptation by the Mercury Theater of the Air, which mimicked a series of radio news reports, famously caused panic among listeners who believed the Martian invasion to be real.