Watch The Late Great Planet Earth

The Late Great Planet Earth is a documentary film released in 1978, inspired by the best-selling book of the same name by Hal Lindsey and Carole C. Carlson. The film features narration by the legendary actor and director Orson Welles, whose weighty, authoritative voice lends a compelling backdrop to its exploration of biblical prophecy and end-times theory. The movie, directed by Robert Amram and Rolf Forsberg, merges documentary-style interviews and speculative interpretations with dramatic narrations and vignettes, creating a unique cinematic experience that resonates with curiosity and intrigue.

The film delves into the prophecies of the Bible, particularly the apocalyptic visions found in the Book of Revelation, and attempts to interpret these ancient scriptures in the context of contemporary events of the 1970s. It draws parallels between the descriptions of the end times within the biblical texts and the socio-political turmoil of the era, suggesting that the signs of the end times may be aligning with modern-day occurrences. The Late Great Planet Earth weaves together a tapestry of theology, history, and eschatology—exploring how the prophecies could be related to global conflicts, natural disasters, and changes in global political dynamics.

One of the key figures in the film is Hal Lindsey himself, whose perspectives on the possible fulfillment of biblical prophecy are a central element of the narrative. As the author of the eponymous book on which the movie is based, Lindsey expounds upon his interpretations of scripture and how he believes they are manifesting in the world around him. His views, though controversial and subject to debate, offer an earnest look at the earnest belief in the impending end times.

The movie employs a mixture of interviews and commentaries with scholars, theologians, and other experts who weigh in on the legitimacy and potential significance of the signs of the times as proposed by Lindsey. These interviews serve to both support and challenge the notions presented, providing a somewhat balanced presentation of the different schools of thought around the interpretations of apocalyptic literature.

The film’s narrative style is a combination of dramatic reenactments, archival footage, and Welles' narrations, which are used to illustrate and animate the themes discussed throughout the movie. The reenactments and vignettes take a speculative look at what the future may hold if the prophecies were to unfold as some believe they will. These segments are designed to evoke a sense of realism and urgency among viewers, compelling them to consider the implications of such events.

Orson Welles' participation adds a sense of gravitas to the film, bringing the same depth and intensity to this role that he has brought to many memorable film characters throughout his illustrious career. His contribution provides an underlying sense of solemnity and seriousness to the film's exploration of its themes, as his voice has long been associated with resonant storytelling.

Another visual aspect of The Late Great Planet Earth is its use of creative special effects for its time, which are used to portray the apocalyptic visions described in the scriptures. These effects help to capture the viewer's imagination and convey the dramatic and often terrifying imagery associated with the end of the world as prophesied in the Bible. Although by modern standards these effects might seem dated, in their time, they were part of what made the film's presentation distinctive.

Beyond the sensationalist aspects of its apocalyptic themes, the film also touches on the spiritual implications of its subject matter, questioning the moral and ethical state of the world and the place of faith in such an uncertain and potentially catastrophic future. It raises questions about spirituality, redemption, and the fate of humankind, prompting audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the direction of society.

The Late Great Planet Earth became a seminal work in the genre of religious prophecy and end-times speculation, capturing the attention and imagination of viewers worldwide. For many, it provided an accessible and thought-provoking introduction to the topics it explored, while for others, it served as a rallying point for those who already held similar eschatological views.

Ultimately, The Late Great Planet Earth is a distinctive product of its time, rich in its blend of documentary narrative and speculative prophecy, as it aims to bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and contemporary times. Its lasting appeal is underscored by its attempt to grapple with questions that are as old as humanity itself, questions of destiny, purpose, and the ultimate end of the world as we know it. Whether one views it as a prescient warning or a curious relic of its era, the film remains a notable entry in the world of documentary and religious filmography.

The Late Great Planet Earth is a 1978 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.