Science Fiction Introduction to a genre

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.  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.

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

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.

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 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. 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?

Ideology & Science Fiction case studies  Independence Day  The triumph of America - a crusade to save the world.  Patriotism - use of American flag on moon. The icons of America - Statue of Liberty, Iwo Jima flag raising, White House…  Independence Day  The triumph of America - a crusade to save the world.  Patriotism - use of American flag on moon. The icons of America - Statue of Liberty, Iwo Jima flag raising, White House…

Ideology & Science Fiction case studies  Independence Day  An invasion requires (Communism / Cold War ) US to unite against the external threat to defeat the enemy.  USA, a multi-racial, integrated society stands alone against the implacable might of the aliens. Note use of Will Smith (negro) and Jeff Goldblum (jew) as the heroes.  Independence Day  An invasion requires (Communism / Cold War ) US to unite against the external threat to defeat the enemy.  USA, a multi-racial, integrated society stands alone against the implacable might of the aliens. Note use of Will Smith (negro) and Jeff Goldblum (jew) as the heroes.

Ideology & Science Fiction case studies  Independence Day  Male dominance in society as women in film are subservient, support role types for men.  President (WASP) gives speech on July 4th = America’s patriotic duty to save the world.”  Film re-enforces concept of US supremacy and superiority in the world and its ability to overcome challenges against the odds.  Independence Day  Male dominance in society as women in film are subservient, support role types for men.  President (WASP) gives speech on July 4th = America’s patriotic duty to save the world.”  Film re-enforces concept of US supremacy and superiority in the world and its ability to overcome challenges against the odds.

Ideology & Science Fiction case studies  Star Trek.  Like Independence Day, Star Trek has a strong US ideology with its simple plot of Good triumphing over evil.  Good represented as individualistic, patriotic, devoted to justice and equality of opportunity despite overwhelming difficulties.  Star Trek.  Like Independence Day, Star Trek has a strong US ideology with its simple plot of Good triumphing over evil.  Good represented as individualistic, patriotic, devoted to justice and equality of opportunity despite overwhelming difficulties.

Women & Science Fiction case studies  Women have often been represented in Science Fiction as the “princess bride” for the male heroes as this poster for this 1950’s film shows.

Women & Science Fiction case studies  However, in recent years this view has changed somewhat as these pictures show.  Trinity (Matrix) is cool independent, a martial arts specialist who is a match for the men in the film.  Ripley (Alien) with her short cropped hair and military style clothing represents a stronger more aggressive woman.  Note both preserve the female imperative in a strong maternal impulse.