Attack of the 50 Foot Woman: A Classic Sci-Fi Tale and its Movie Poster
The Tale of the Giantess
The 1958 classic "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" is a beloved sci-fi film that continues to fascinate audiences today. The story of Nancy, a woman who grows to gigantic proportions after a close encounter with a mysterious flying saucer, is a chilling and unforgettable tale. This iconic film has left its mark on popular culture, inspiring countless homages, parodies, and reimaginings.
But what is the story behind this iconic film?
"Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" was directed by Nathan Juran and written by Harry Essex. The film was produced by William Alland, who was known for his work on classic monster movies such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "This Island Earth".
The film's story revolves around Nancy, a seemingly ordinary housewife, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a mysterious flying saucer. After a terrifying experience, Nancy begins to grow in size, eventually reaching a height of 50 feet! This transformation is not just a physical one, it also affects her mental state, making her increasingly erratic and violent.
The story of "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" goes beyond the standard monster movie fare, delving into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the fear of the unknown. Nancy's growth is symbolic of her pent-up frustration and her desire to break free from the constraints of her traditional role as a housewife. Her transformation into a giantess is a powerful metaphor for the inner turmoil and rebellion that can arise when individuals are forced to conform to societal norms.
The film's themes resonated with audiences of the time, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War era and the fears of nuclear war. The story of a seemingly ordinary woman transformed into a giant monster served as a metaphor for the dangers of the unknown and the potential for uncontrolled power to lead to destruction. In the context of the 1950s, the film also tapped into the anxieties of female empowerment, as Nancy's size and power symbolized a challenge to traditional gender roles.
Behind the Scenes
"Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" was made on a relatively low budget, but the filmmakers made the most of their resources. The film's iconic special effects were groundbreaking for their time, creating the illusion of a truly gigantic woman rampaging through the city. The filmmakers used a combination of forced perspective shots, miniatures, and matte paintings to achieve this effect.
For example, the scene where Nancy chases a police car through the city was filmed using a miniature car and a large, painted backdrop. This technique allowed the filmmakers to create the illusion of a vast, urban landscape, even though the actual set was much smaller. To further enhance the effect, the filmmakers used forced perspective, which involved placing objects at different distances from the camera to create the illusion of depth and size. For example, when Nancy is shown towering over a building, the building is actually much closer to the camera than she is, making her appear much larger.
The film also featured a memorable performance by Allison Hayes as Nancy, who brought both vulnerability and a sense of menace to the role. Her transformation from a meek housewife into a destructive force was both terrifying and sympathetic, making Nancy one of the most complex and memorable female characters in sci-fi film history.
Making the 50 Foot Woman a Centerpiece of your Decor
For those who love this classic film and the vintage aesthetic, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman movie poster print is a great option to add a vintage, sci-fi centerpiece to your home decor. With a classic, vintage feel, the poster print is perfect for movie buffs, vintage film fans, and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. It's ideal for adding a unique touch to your living room, bedroom, home theater, or even a dorm room. It can also serve as a great conversation starter and a unique piece of artwork for your space.
"Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" is a film that continues to captivate and entertain audiences today. Its timeless themes, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects have made it a classic of the science fiction genre. So next time you're looking for a film to watch, consider this classic and remember the story of a giantess and her struggle for liberation.