Genre Research

SCI-FI

Alien (1979)What Makes This A SCI-FI?

Mise-en-scene: The Mise-en-scene is crucial in representing the Genre of SCI-FI in this scene, firstly the set its self is of an unusual design with computers placed in the central ceiling fixture also the colour pallet and white lighting on the walls etc. all work together to create a Space Ship looking interior.Also all of the actors are wearing a uniform which includes rank, name and a mission patch, the idea of wearing a uniform especially a white and light blue one is stereotypical to the SCI-FI Genre. Probably the most crucial aspect of Mise-en-scene in this scene that represents Sci-Fi is the Alien (Prop)

itself which is one of the most common and expected aspects of Sci-Fi an alien.

Sound: Throughout the clip a hum can be heard in the background, this sounds is not immediately noticeable but helps in showing this is a spaceship thus a Sci-Fi as the background noise sounds like the hum from the ship mechanics, computers running etc. Also there are sounds which seem to be emulating from the Alien itself such as a creaking/purring sounds which can be heard which gives it a very animalistic feeling yet not quite a creature we would be familiar with as it is not as comforting of a sound such as from a cat with the aliens purr being more unnerving. We also hear what appears to be the alien screeching, these unusual and unnerving sounds are a key aspect in this sequence which show this is a science fiction.

Blade Runner 1982 - (opening scene)What Makes This A SCI-FI?

Mise-en-scene: The scene incorporates a large futuristic model city scape, model making although prevalent in a large variety of genres it is Sci-Fi’s that are filled with them, this is because with Sci-Fi’s the places either don’t exist or is set in the future as such has to be made, as a result models are rife throughout Sci-Fi’s.

Sound: The soundtrack throughout this sequence is very unusual which is ideal in a science fiction, the music itself sounds very unnatural i.e. done via a synthesizer this always gives an unusual robotic sound to a soundtrack which is perfect for most Sci-Fi’s. As the sequence progresses other sounds can be heard adding over the original soundtrack the sound of what sounds like a orchestra but with a synthesized sound comes in this once again is something we recognise as an audience but presented in a unusual manner seen in Sci-Fi’s. The last sound to emerge into the soundtrack is a twinkly sound another common sound heard in science fiction

2001 a Space Odyssey 1968

What Makes This A SCI-FI?Mise-en-scene: The Mise-en-scene in this scene consists largely of visual effects which is a very prominent

aspect in most Science fiction films. Also the colouration throughout the scene is vibrant and unusual which helps in showing the alien nature of what is happening as such successfully represents the Sci-Fi genre.

Sound: The sound in this sequence from 2001 a space odyssey is especially unusual in its composition of music as the soundtrack is high pitch and sounds like a choir, this gives an especially unusual/alian and unnerving sound, the sound changes throughout the sequence but throughout remains odd and uncomfortablr creating tension through the build up of high pitch rumbling sounds.

2001 A Space Odyssey 1968(Moon Scene)

What Makes This A SCI-FI?Mise-en-scene: The set combined with the matte painting are vital aspects of Mise-en-scene that show that this a Sci-Fi, with especially the matte painting which is of the moon with the earth and space in the background, this is effective in showing this is Science fiction emphasized by the fact there is a man made underground structure with lights on the moon. Also the men in the scene are wearing white & Silver spacesuits which are standard in most Sci-Fi films due to their familiarity to actual space exploration.Sound: the sound in this sequence is almost entirely no-diegetic, this soundtrack is unnerving as it

becomes higher and higher in pitch, as with the other clip from 2001 a space odyssey the sound initially sounds like voices and slowly becomes faster and more uncomfortable as such creates a feeling of an otherworldly environment and builds tension.

RoboCop 1987 - (Robot Wars)What Makes This A SCI-FI?

Mise-en-scene: Costume is a key aspect in showing this scene is from a Sci-Fi film as the main character is a cyborg type being which like prosthetics is common place in science fiction for i.e. robots, aliens etc. Also there is a model/prop of another robot looking nothing like a human, the use of a prop/model as character is only really seen in science fiction films usually in the forms or robots or computers.

Sound: The mechanical sound of the ED-209 (big robot) as well as the noises of Robocop himself are mechanical sounds, such sounds are only really ever heard in Science fiction especially from the source of the noise robots. The soundtrack sounds very metallic i.e. as if pieces of metal are being bashed together to create the sound, having a soundtrack that uses either metallic or high pitch whistling sounds are a common theme in the Sci-Fi genre. As the robots fight we hear lots of explosions etc such dramatic action scene are another common attribute in Science fiction films as but rather than fist fighting etc it is advanced weponary making load explosions or laser beam sounds etc.

Star wars VI 1983(Luke VS Vader)

What Makes This A SCI-FI?Mise-en-scene: The set design is very specific to a Sci-Fi film as there are many metallic features and a grey tone to the structure and there are big windows, this reveals the stars etc. beyond to show that this scene is set in space defining that it is a science fiction. Props are also effective in showing this is a Sci-Fi for example the lightsaber fictional equipment such as weapons are common in Sci-Fi's with usually a familiar look but in a much more complex and advanced form than wewould know i.e. lightsaber-sword this is effective in conveying the film is a Sci-Fi. Costume also proved

crucial in representing this is a science fiction film as the costume is complex and with Darth Vader robotic like to show this is set in a science fiction environment.

Sound: The sound in this scene is powerful in showing this is a Sci-Fi mainly through Diegetic sound for example the sound of the lightsaber humming and crashing as the two are hit together, these sounds sound very electrical, such sounds are effective in showing this scene is from a science fiction. Other sounds heard include Darth Vader’s breathing although the sound is familiar i.e. it sounds like a divers breathing apparatus yet is in an environment you wouldn't’t expect to hear such a noise and as a result fits well with the science fiction genre as it is relatable yet remains different and alien to what you would expect. Also Darth Vader’s voice is powerful and unusual this is also a common feature in science fiction whether it be the voice of an alien a robot or characters such as Darth Vader.

The Terminator 1984(opening Scene)

What Makes This A SCI-FI?Mise-en-scene: This opening

sequence is made up almost completely of models and sets which is common in Science fictions. The set consists of an apocalyptic world in which there are collapsed buildings and the skulls of humans are littering the floor, this is effective in representing the apocalyptical/end of the world scene which is common in scientific stories. Also there are models of high tech looking machines these robotic looking machines are firing what appear to be lasers

Sound: The sound in this sequence sounds synthesized, such sounding music is common is science fiction films due to its unnatural sound which gives an other worldly feel. Also the sound of lasers and explosions can be heard in most Sci-Fi films as they consist of fictional advanced technology usually in the form of weaponry and as such give them an unusual sound whilst still being somewhat familiar this is a common thing in science fiction via sound as it still makes sense to the audience but sounds completely different to anything you hear in the real modern world.

as the humans running around effectively destroying them, this also effectively shows Sci-Fi as big mechanical machinery with lasers are iconically only seen in Sci-Fi’s.

Star Trek II 1982 (Spock death Scene) What Makes This A SCI-FI?

Mise-en-Scene: The Mise-en-scene is probably the most crucial micro feature In this scene as it is in most SCI-FI films in representing the genre. The set is very crisp and white with lots of lights and computer panels etc. scattered around the set which is perfect in showing that this is a SCI-FI as It is a setting in which you associate with either science or space with similar sets being used in almost all SCI-FI’s. The costumes also give the impression of a Sci-fi as many are crisp white or have some white to them (this choice of colour is associated with actual space I.E. NASA space suits)as well as this the costumes appear to be a uniform with some sort of mission path and rank pin, also

associated with actual space exploration as well as fictional. Lastly Mr. Spock’s ears are a key aspect of Sci-Fi Mise-en-scene as in many SCI-FI films prosthetics are used to create aliens etc.

Sound: This sequence uses an unusual sounding (Non-Diegetic) soundtrack with lots of sharp notes with violins making high piercing sounds etc. this helps in showing that this is a Sci-Fi as the sound is alien like also towards the end the iconic franchise them tune can be heard common in science fiction films i.e. Star Wars and Star Trek.We also hear Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock talking (Diegetic) long complex dialogue or philosophical/intellectual dialogue is also common in Sci-Fi films as they are usually based on actual science or scientific theory's in some way.

Conclusion what makes a Sci-Fi?A Sci-Fi relays heavily on the Mise-en-scene to create the genre, such as sets which can depict spaceships, other planets or our own planet with a difference i.e. set in the future or with some scientific differences. Also they use props and models such as spaceships, aliens weapons and other fictional technology these are crucial in creating a science fiction, as well as props and models makeup is a key aspect in creating a Sci-Fi whether its to add pointed ears or green skin special effects makeup when teamed with costume proves crucial in creating the aliens etc. we expect from Science fiction films. Sound is another key aspect in making a Sci-Fi, as science fiction films

relay on a soundtrack that has another worldly interesting sound usually being metallic, electrical, high pitched etc. also background noise such as the rumbling of the ship, doors opening footsteps all have to be understandable to an audience but also different to what you would expect in the real world such as foot steps being heavier with a metallic clink as the character walks or the computers beeping, these noises are effective in showing that a film is a Sci-Fi as the sounds are often relatable but also unusual in some way to give a futuristic or alien feeling.

There are thousands of things added into a film to show it’s a science fiction down to that the main characters usually have a close family like relationship similar to that depicted in the war genre as usually these characters are in space, isolated on a spaceship so are are much closer and relay on each other much more than in other genres i.e. rather than just one character saving the day such a James bond, Sci-Fi’s usually relay much more on a team effort.