1. Unit 1 Investigating the Media Exam Topic: Science Fiction Films
Lesson 10
AQA GCSE Media Studies
Unit 1 Investigating the Media
Exam Topic: Science Fiction Films
Lesson 10 – Ideological messages in science fiction films and dystopian futures!
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2. Starter
If you could go back in time and give a message to people in order to prevent the destruction of our planet; what message would you give them?
DISCUSS

3. Ideological messages
Some science fiction films contain ideological messages – mainly to tell the human race about the damage they are doing to the planet. This may be issues to do with war, global warming or impending destruction.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets.
WALL-E (2008) In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

4. Ideological messages in Wall-E
WALL-E (2008) In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
The main ideological messages in this film, are that of global warming and our over reliance on technology. Wall-E portrays a deserted planet Earth, due to pollution and Wall-E is left to clear up the mess. Wall-E’s world represents a barren, polluted, lifeless dystopian future and is shown by the colours in the mise en scene. The message in this film indicates an act ‘now’ message, before it is too late.
Our reliance on technology (3:21)

5. Ideological messages
SHORT ESSAY QUESTION How does the Disney film Wall-E represent a dystopian future for our planet Earth?

6. Ideological messages in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien (Klaatu) lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets. Klaatu is leaving Earth and has a message for the human race. (2:37)

7. Ideological messages in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

8. Ideological messages in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
What is the main message that Klaatu is warning the human race about?

9. DID YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE?
Plenary
On a Post-it note, identify two ideological messages we have discussed in the lesson.
DID YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE?
Act now before it is too late, We are too reliant on technology, Clean up our planet, Stop the violence

10. Homework
RE-DESIGN A POSTER Design an up-to-date poster for the film The Day the Earth Stood Still The worksheet provides guidance