Science fiction film
Science fiction film is "a film genre which emphasizes actual, extrapolative, or speculative science and the empirical method, interacting in a social context with the lesser emphasized, but still present, transcendentalism of magic and religion, in an attempt to reconcile man with the unknown" (Sobchak 63).
This definition assumes that a continuum exists between empiricism and transcendentalism with science fiction film on the side of empiricism and horror film and fantasy film on the side of transcendentalism. However, there are numerous well-known examples of science fiction horror films, epitomized by Frankenstein and Alien.
Not all science fiction themes are equally suitable for movies. In addition to science fiction horror, space opera is most common. Often enough, these films could just as well pass as Westerns or WWII movies if the science fiction props were removed. Common themes also include voyages and expeditions to other planets, and dystopias, while utopias are rare.
Visual style
The visual style of science fiction film can be characterized by a clash between alien and familiar images. This clash is implemented in the following ways:
- Alien images become familiar
- In A Clockwork Orange, the repetitions of the Korova Milkbar make the alien decor seem more familiar.
- Familiar images become alien
- In Dr. Strangelove, the distortion of the humans make the familiar images seem more alien.
- Alien and familiar images are juxtaposed
Special effects in science fiction movies range from laughable to ground-breaking. Milestones in this respect include Stanley Kubrick's 2001, Star Wars and, more recently, The Matrix.
Sources and references
- Vivian Sobchak. Screening Space: The American Science Fiction Film. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1998.
- See also: List of science fiction films
