The Dystopian Genre English III | 2018-19

What does a movie or book have to have/do to be dystopian?

Function/Purpose Good dystopian texts offer social commentary/criticism of society Social commentary is the act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in a society. This is often done to persuade the audience to implement or promote change by informing the general populace about a given problem and appealing to people's sense of justice Dystopian literature/film achieves its function by utilizing various themes...

Common Dystopian Themes mastery of nature—to the point that it becomes barren, or turns against humankind technological advances that enslave humans or regiment their lives the mandatory division of people into castes or groups with specialized functions (loss of individualism) a collective loss of memory and history, which makes mankind easier to manipulate psychologically and ultimately leads to dehumanization

Setting Set in the future made by the consequences of today’s social issues. Looks different based on which social issue and type of control is involved: Examples: Apocalyptic Wasteland Corporate Wonderland Isolated Communities

Protagonist and Point of View (POV) Qualities of a dystopian protagonist: First Person or 3rd Person Limited POV often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. questions the existing social and political systems. believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives. helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.

Types of Control Corporate One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media Bureaucratic Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials Technological Society is controlled by--or extremely dependent on--technology such as computers, robots, and/or other scientific means. Philosophical/Religious Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.

Brazil (1985)

The Lobster (2016)

i,Robot (2004)

The Lego Movie (2014)

Additional Characteristics of Dystopian Genre Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.