The aliens are the ultimate unknown in the Independence Day. They barely even get a chance to speak, except when they use Dr. Okun's body briefly to tell humans to "Diiieee!"
The fact that we never really know what they are thinking or planning really ups the fear factor, and the film never gives us more knowledge of the aliens than the characters themselves have—we're in the dark along with them.
That's why it's super exciting when the President finds out about Area 51. That visit, during which the President is able to telepathically see all the aliens' plans, finally gives the earthlings the access to the aliens' motivations, strategies, and even technology that they need to begin fighting them effectively.
Questions about Foreignness and "The Other"
- How would the film have been different if the aliens had been able to talk? Why make them (largely) speech-free?
- The scientists at Area 51 have been trying desperately to get insight into the aliens, which can only help the President, etc. defeat the aliens….yet, they're portrayed kind of negatively—or, at least, Dr. Okun is. Why? Why isn't he viewed as a bit of a hero for his efforts?
- Are the aliens' motivations/bad intentions really a secret to us at the beginning of the film (as they are to the characters)…or do we have a pretty decent idea of what's coming?
Chew on This
By making the aliens "mute," the film makes them extra inscrutable—which equals extra scary. It just makes them more monstrous, and the movie wouldn't be nearly as scary if the aliens could communicate.
Dr. Okun comes off badly because, even though he's trying to help by discovering everything there is to know about the aliens, he doesn't seem to recognize the human impact of what he's doing.