INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE FICTION

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE FICTION Prof. Myrna Monllor Jiménez copyright © Myrna Monllor Jiménez 2008

Balance (1989)

Definition » based on scientifically-established or postulated laws of nature. » Explore alternate possibilities to a scientific problem.

Subgenres: Hard Science Fiction » Based on physics, astrophysics, chemistry » Accurately predict how technology can change the world 1998

Subgenres: Soft Science Fiction » Based on psychology, economics, political science, anthropology

2006

Subgenres: Cyberpunk

Blade Runner 1982

Other subgenres Military Science Fiction Superhuman Apocalyptic Space Opera/ Space Western

Background Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

19th Century Writers Jules Verne •Journey to the Center of the Earth • 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Predicted underwater and space travel

H. G. Wells

• The Time Machine • The Island of Dr. Moreau • The War of the Worlds

Anticipated sexual freedom and eugenics

20th Century Writers • Concerned about totalitarian states, and with the loss of personal freedom • Opposed to fascist and capitalist states George Orwell “Big Brother is watching you“

• Anticipates developments in reproductive technology, eugenics, mind control • Presented a world where history was prohibited • Critical of Henry Ford’s assembly line and his assertion that “History is bunk.” Aldous Huxley •Brave New World

Isaac Asimov

Arthur C. Clarke

• I Robot

•2001 Space Odyssey

Kurt Vonnegut

•Slaughterhouse-five •Harrison Bergeron Ray Bradbury

• The Martian Chronicles •Fahrenheit 451

The First Science Fiction Films A Trip to the Moon Georges Melies 1902

A Trip to the Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mat81O5ajs

The First Science Fiction Films 1927

The First Science Fiction Films

Science Fiction Films of the 1950’s

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfpSXI8_UpY

Plan 9 from Outer Space1956

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2ukRYsYPmo

Science Fiction Films of the 60’s • the Cold War • fear of nuclear destruction • space wars

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Stanley Kubrick

2001 Space Odyssey (1968) Dr. Strangelove (1964)

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Kubrick

» Made thought provoking stories » Showed spectacular space imagery » Used Pioneering technical effects » Introduced the first killer computer, Hal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWnmCu3U09w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6umxthz1Ys

Ending

Opening

2001 Space Odyssey Beginning

2001 Space Odyssey Ending

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXS8P0HksQo

George Lucas • Created a modern myth and unforgettable characters

• Used innovative special effects

Steven Spielberg » Visually poetic images » Extra-terrestrial intelligence » Benevolent extra-terrestrials

Humor in Science Fiction Men in Black (1996)

Mars Attack (1996)

Sleeper (1973)

Sleeper (1973)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isrd7E5nzIQ

CHARACTERISTICS Time displacement into a technological future where some current tendencies of our culture have become dominant.

The Fifth Element

Sometimes present a seemingly utopian social situation that is really dystopian in nature The Stepford Wives (1975)

Minority Report (2002)

Many are pessimistic and critical in their vision of the way scientific achievement will affect social progress or individual happiness The Cell (2000)

Many present a clean, sterile world—or the opposite—a world ravaged by death or destruction. Blade Runner (1982)

Gattaca (1997)

Recent Sci-fi Films

Some are action/adventure films or stories. The Matrix (1999)

Present the unforeseen consequences of technology 2001 Space Odyssey (1968)

I Robot (2004)

In the stories science has become a monster that has overpowered human beings

Gattaca (1997)

Brave New World (1998)

Some deal with space travel, space wars, or time travel. Newer stories and films deal with cybernetics and virtual reality.

eXistenz (1999)

Must See Science Fiction Films » Metropolis » The Terminator » Blade Runner » Planet of the Apes » 2001 Space » E.T. Odyssey » Solaris » Star Wars » Close Encounters » Alien of the Third Kind » The Day the Earth » A Trip to the Moon Stood Still » Children of Men » WALL-E http://totalscifionline.com/features/3809-the-100-greatest-sci-fi-movies