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