introduction to science fiction prof. myrna monllor jiménez copyright © myrna monllor jiménez...
TRANSCRIPT
INTRODUCTION TO
SCIENCE FICTION
Prof. Myrna Monllor Jiménez
copyright © Myrna Monllor Jiménez 2008
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.
» 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
» 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
» Based on psychology, economics, political science, anthropology
2006
Subgenres: Cyberpunk
Blade Runner 1982
Other subgenres
Military Science Fiction
Superhuman
Apocalyptic
Space Opera/ Space Western
Military Science Fiction
Superhuman
Apocalyptic
Space Opera/ Space Western
Background
Mary Shelley’s FrankensteinMary 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
George Orwell“Big Brother is watching you“
• Concerned about totalitarian states, and with the loss of personal freedom
• Opposed to fascist and capitalist states
Aldous Huxley
•Brave New World
• 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.”
Isaac Asimov
• I Robot
Arthur C. Clarke
•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 MoonGeorges Melies1902
A Trip to the Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mat81O5ajs
The First Science Fiction Films1927
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
» 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
Opening
Ending
2001 Space OdysseyBeginning
2001 Space OdysseyEnding
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
» Visually poetic images» Extra-terrestrial intelligence» Benevolent extra-terrestrials
Humor in Science Fiction
Sleeper (1973)
Mars Attack (1996)
Men in Black (1996)
Sleeper(1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isrd7E5nzIQ
CHARACTERISTICS
Time displacement into a technological futurewhere some current tendencies of our culturehave become dominant.
Time displacement into a technological futurewhere some current tendencies of our culturehave 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
Brave New World (1998)
Gattaca (1997)
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» Blade Runner» 2001 Space
Odyssey» Star Wars» Alien» The Day the Earth
Stood Still» WALL-E
» Metropolis» Blade Runner» 2001 Space
Odyssey» Star Wars» Alien» The Day the Earth
Stood Still» WALL-E
» The Terminator» Planet of the Apes» E.T.» Solaris» Close Encounters
of the Third Kind» A Trip to the Moon» Children of Men
» The Terminator» Planet of the Apes» E.T.» Solaris» Close Encounters
of the Third Kind» A Trip to the Moon» Children of Men
http://totalscifionline.com/features/3809-the-100-greatest-sci-fi-movies