What is Science Fiction?

• Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction.

• It is constrained by what we presently regard as the basic physical laws of nature.

• It evolved as a response to fantasy.

Science Fiction VS. Fantasy

In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen.

In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions. ie; unicorns, three-legged creatures etc.

Science Fiction - Definition

The first Science Fiction novel

Written by Mary

Shelley in 1818

Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley used a scientificrationale, combined with certainreligious ideas, to convince the

readerthat her story was possible but

touched upon the improbable.

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Seas

Written by Jules Verne in

1870

Jules Verne

Jules Verne is a very well-known author who wrote science fiction

books with elements that are very close to reality.

In fact a lot of the futuristic elements he wrote about have

now been invented.

Sci Fi in the MoviesEven before talkies, science fiction made its mark on film:

Metropolis from 1926 was the first classic science fiction film

Several great classic films were produced in the 30’s.

Invisible ManWas based on a novel by the famous author H. G. Wells

Sci Fi in the 1930’s

Sci Fi in the 1950’s

About 500 films and shorts that can be classified science fiction were made between 1948 and 1962

Science fiction really became a popular genre after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This event inspired a lot of after-the-bomb and alien invasion films.

Sci Fi Movies in the ’60’sIn 1960 another novel by H.G. Wells was filmed. The Time Machine, starring Rod Taylor.

Sci Fi Movies in the 70’s

1977 the debut of Star Wars sparked a revitalization of science fiction.

Due to the huge success of this film, the market for and interest in science fiction as film and literature skyrocketed

Sci Fi Movies TodayIn the last couple of decades the amount of sci fimovies has exploded – probably because of newpossibilities with technology.