Introduction to the genre: History and Beginnings Science Fiction Introduction to the genre: History and Beginnings

Science Fiction film is a genre that incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Often, this genre incorporates futuristic elements and technologies to explore social, political, and philosophical issues. The film itself is usually set in the future, either on earth or in space. Traditionally, a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology.

The Beginnings Science fiction has been popular since 1902 with George Melies “Journey to the Moon”. The ideological messages of Sci.Fi. Appeared early and reflect the concerns of society at the time of the production.

Sci Fi stems from our want to see beyond our time. To know what will happen in the future Or more importantly what could happen.

1927 - Metropolis Concerns: The impact of “new” technology The dehumanising and exploitative potential of the “machine age.” Introduced the iconography of the genre- robots & mad scientists. Began with the idea of Frankenstein’s monsters

1950- Invasion Science Fiction Reflect USA Concerns: Invasion by aliens a mirror of the Cold War anxieties - communist spies & nuclear annihilation.

1960s The Space Odyssey Optimism and spiritual development with the exploration of new worlds. The iconography of highly technical space craft, dangerous, self aware computers (HAL) and the use of inter-linked images and music to enhance the grandeur of space

1980 Dystopian Views Films reflect a world that is disillusioned, pessimistic and decaying. A world in which nothing could be trusted and where everything and everybody had a price.

1990 Technology issues Matrix & Bladerunner reflect: Concern about the relationship of man and technology. Cyborgs and the combination of human intelligence with virtual reality & cyberspace.

1990 Invasion Problems The return of the alien invasion theme. America combines against overwhelming enemy and triumphs. Good versus Evil. Patriotism rules.

1990 & beyond post-modern issues Bladerunner & Matrix reflect: A post modern world where the distinction between real and virtual are blurred. Raise the Frankenstein question “What is the role of man in the new scientific age and what are the dangers inherent in acting as God?

Elements of Sci Fi

Central plots A conflict between Them and Us. The positive & negative aspects of science The future possibilities created by social or technological advances.

Advanced Technology Robots and Androids- “Data”, “C3PO” Ray Guns - Star Trek Teleportation Devices - Star Trek (A hypothetical method of transportation in which matter or information is dematerialized, usually instantaneously, at one point and recreated at another.) Space Ships- Star Wars, Serenity

Futuristic Setting Outer space Subterranean earth Post-Apocalyptic- Following a large-scale disaster in which civilization has been destroyed or has regressed to a more primitive level; (of a story) having such a setting. Alternate Timelines/ Parallel Universe

Space Travel Time Travel- Traveling from one time period to another. Wormholes- shortcut connection between the two distinct regions of space-time. Faster-than-light Speed- arriving at a destination faster than a beam of light traveling the same distance Aliens- A being from another planet. Paranormal Abilities- an ability to perceive information hidden from the normal senses

Themes in Science Fiction Unexplained Phenomena- Stories featuring UFO’s, pyramid power, paranormal abilities, telekinesis, ESP, and other psychic possibilities and how those talents affect humans. (Super 8, Independence Day) Telekinesis- The ability to move an object with the power of one's thoughts. (The Fire Starter)

The Individual versus Society- Tales where the society has certain guidelines for compatible living, but situations occur that the rules don’t cover. A strong individual accomplishes daring feats and sometimes this requires breaking rules. (Hunger Games, The Giver, Ender’s Game, I, Robot)

Humans and Technology- Stories describing how humans interact with computers, nanotechnology, bioengineering, virtual reality, artificial intelligences, or other parts of technologically driven society. These stories often question the concept of what it means to be human. (I, Robot, Terminator)

Science Fiction vs. Fantasy Science Fiction- a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc. Ender’s Game, Brave New World, The Wanting Seed, Hunger Games, Dune, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “I am Legend”. *It always ties back to science.* Fantasy- stories set in fanciful, invented worlds, an alternate and more fanciful version of our own world, or in a legendary, mythic past. Fantasy fiction stories generally involve magic, mystical elements, or supernatural creatures. Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, Eragon

Science Fiction Elements Science Fiction films commonly contain the following elements: Low key lighting Cold dystopic colours (red, green, black, silver) Low angles on aliens, high angles on humans Impressive Special Effects and technology focus (SFX) Music – menacing, threatening Plot - Science fiction plots often express the potential of technology to destroy humankind through Armaggedon-like events, wars between worlds, Earth-imperiling encounters or disasters. Contain a ‘hero’ who saves the day (god/scientist/everyman)

SCIENCE FICTION

Types of Films

Apocalyptic Film Apocalyptic film is a sub-genre of Science-Fiction film. The plot revolves around an impending disaster. Within this genre, the disaster is usually an alien invasion, a nuclear war, a pandemic, or a natural disaster. The development of technology plays a large role in these films and often serves as the source of conflict.  While many films in this sub-genre center around the disaster, many focus on the post-apocalyptic state of the world. Examples: Independence Day, War of the Worlds, Armageddon.

Dystopian Film Dystopian film is a sub-genre of Science-Fiction film that focuses on the upset state of the world. These films take place in the future and feature a world that is overrun with violence, oppression, and disease. In other words, a Dystopian film explores what it would look like to achieve the opposite of an Utopian society.

Dystopian Film This sub-genre often holds the same themes and characteristics of a post-apocalyptic film. Generally, the common themes within Dystopian films include dehumanization, the repression of individuality, and uniformity at the cost of human rights. Examples: V for Vendetta, Mad Max, Blade Runner.

Time Travel As stated in its name, this sub-genre of Science-Fiction film centers around the concept of time travel. These films can explore traditional time travel through futuristic devices or space-time travel. The Time Travel sub-genre can also explore the concept of alternate histories, alternate realities, and parallel universes. Examples: The Terminator, Back to the Future, Star Trek.

Alien Film Alien film is perhaps the most prominent themed sub-genre in Science-Fiction film. These films can explore the existence of aliens, alien invasions, and alien abduction. Often, these movies include some sort of government conspiracy or cover-up. A common theme in this sub-genre is the coexistence between human beings and aliens. Examples: Predator, Mars Attacks!, Alien.

Monsters and Mutants Monsters and Mutants is a sub-genre with a long tradition within Science-Fiction film. Unlike horror films, this sub-genre contains a monster or mutant that derives from a scientific explanation or origin. These films can contain a scientific experiment or accident that produces the said monster. In many Science-Fiction films, these mutants can be created from technology and take the form of robots and technologically advanced beings. Examples: Godzilla, Cloverfield, Tremors.

Sci Fi Activity : Story Building Regardless of the genre and its elements. Ideally these are stories. Get together into groups of 5. Using a Story I will give you, you will create a sci fi movie out of it and present it to the class. 20 Mins