Early Warning (1981)
Early Warning is a film from 1981 directed by David R. Elliott. The 1981 film “Early Warning” presents a chilling narrative where a powerful group orchestrates the implementation of a one-world government through the manipulation of global crises, such as food shortages and financial instability. They plan to control every individual by assigning a unique computer number, making it impossible for anyone to buy or sell without it. The method proposed for ensuring compliance involves implanting this number on individuals, either on the back of their hand or forehead, using a painless and permanent laser technique. This number would be readable by special ultraviolet scanning equipment.
Despite anticipating resistance, particularly from deeply religious communities, the group believes that dire circumstances like hunger will eventually force everyone to comply. The confidence expressed by one of the speakers suggests a belief that the populace could be led to accept any figurehead, even one as malevolent as the devil, provided the groundwork of control and desperation is laid. This narrative encapsulates fears of totalitarian control, loss of personal freedom, and the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technologies in surveillance and individual identification.
The storyline centers around a Christian woman, played by Delana Michaels, who is determined to have a newspaper man, portrayed by Greg Wynne, publish a story about the establishment of a One World Foundation. This foundation’s sole purpose is to control the world, and the woman believes it’s crucial to alert the public to this impending danger, linking it to the end times as described in the Bible. Initially, the newspaper man is skeptical and unwilling to entertain such a notion. However, his perspective begins to change as he witnesses the woman being pursued by the foundation, leading him into an unfolding adventure that brings the narrative to life.
Early Warning film discusses various global and societal issues through a narrative. The content touches on themes such as government control, individual freedom, societal breakdown, and the potential for a one-world government. It includes dramatic elements like number implantation for tracking and control, resistance from religious groups, and a scenario where individuals cannot buy or sell without a specific number, reminiscent of dystopian narratives and apocalyptic prophecies found in some interpretations of religious texts.
The dialogue and events suggest a critique or exploration of power dynamics, the erosion of personal liberties, and the implications of a centralized global authority. It also looks into the human response to such control, including conformity due to necessity (such as hunger) and the eventual acceptance of any figurehead presented by the controlling powers, even if morally or ethically questionable.
This piece seems to serve as a cautionary tale about the loss of individual freedom and the dangers of an omnipotent government or organization. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance, resistance to unjust control, and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals under such regimes. The narrative aims to provoke thought about the value of freedom, the need for skepticism towards authority, and the significance of individual and collective action in preserving personal rights and liberties.
Moreover, the film looks into the psychological and societal impacts of such authoritarian measures, showcasing how desperation and necessity might force individuals into compliance, despite their initial resistance. This aspect highlights the human struggle between maintaining one’s beliefs and principles in the face of overwhelming oppression and the basic instinct for survival.
“Early Warning” also reflects on the role of faith and spirituality in confronting and interpreting the challenges posed by such dystopian realities. The resistance from religious groups, as depicted, underscores a clash not just of physical control but of ideological and spiritual beliefs, presenting a scenario where faith becomes both a refuge and a form of rebellion against dehumanizing systems.
In its essence, the film serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between order and tyranny, urging viewers to reflect on the significance of safeguarding democratic values and human dignity against the encroachments of unchecked power. It resonates with contemporary concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the global consolidation of power, making it a relevant piece for discussions on civil liberties, ethics, and the future trajectory of human societies under the shadow of technological advancements and centralized governance.
