The Science Fiction Genre And Genre Essay - 1781 Words

The science fiction film genre has been around almost as long as movies have, but like the cinema it is still a fairly young art form. This genre came into existence shortly after the invention of the movie camera in 1888 and has endured for over one-hundred years. Science fiction is adaptive; it changes with the times and this trend can be seen in its incorporation of other genres, cultural history and technology. This essay will attempt to define the genre, chronicle the history and evolution, and explore its relation to technology. This is in general and in the cinema. When discussing the science fiction film genre a problem occurs. The distinction between science fiction and other genres is not always clear cut. Many movies span between the science fiction genre and other genres. Movies such as The Ring (2002) or the Alien series (1979, 1986, 1992, 1997) illustrate how the distinction between science fiction and horror films can be obscure. (Telotte 46) Some comedies, such as Mars Attacks (1996) and Back to the Future (1985), are very much science fiction. (Mitchell 133) In fact there is an example of a science fiction film fitting into almost any genre. Starship Troopers (1997) parallels a war film and Outland (1981) resembles a western in many respects. (Telotte 45) The characteristics that define the science fiction genre can be difficult to pin down. A genre such as the western has easily identifiable characteristics such as cowboys, guns, the wild west, and badShow MoreRelatedThe Science Fiction Film Genre Essay1683 Words   |  7 PagesScience Fiction Films The science fiction film genre has been around almost as long as movies have, but like the cinema it is still a fairly young art form. This genre came into existence shortly after the invention of the movie camera in 1888 and has endured for over one-hundred years. Science fiction is adaptive; it changes with the times and this trend can be seen in its incorporation of other genres, cultural history and technology. This essay will attempt to define the genre, chronicle the historyRead MoreThe Science Fiction Film Genre Essay1691 Words   |  7 PagesThe science-fiction film genre serves as an excellent medium for examining shifting power structures, social paranoia and Cold War politics during the 1950s. A number of films released during this period, including: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Them (1954) and Attack of the 50ft Woman (1958), are particularly symptomatic of the social and political atmosphere of the time. These films naviga te not only narrative based issues such as the threat of aliensRead MoreDystopian And Other Science Fiction Genres1971 Words   |  8 Pagesother science fiction genres literature often critique society in meaningful ways that give the novels greater depth than might be expected of books written for younger audiences. Recently, â€Å"dystopian novels set in some dark, post-nuclear fallout future have dominated the young adult—better known as YA—bestseller lists† (Donston-Miller). The line between age groups in some of these novels also blur as adults latch on the increasingly complex themes and characters in modern science fiction for youngRead MoreScience Fiction Film Genre Analysis Paper1450 Words   |  6 PagesGenre Definition Paper The science fiction film genre is absolutely the hardest to define. It can easily be confused with or applied to Fantasy films and some horror films as well. Genres are used to identify types of films, and outside of science fiction this is a fairly simple process. A Western is set in the west and has cowboys and Indians. A gangster film has a plot revolving around the mafia. A horror film is centrally purposed to scare the viewer. Science fiction, on the other hand, is notRead MoreA Compare and Contrast of Horror and Science Fiction/Fantasy Genres1777 Words   |  7 Pagesof different genres, but also compare them and understand their purpose in the world. The Horror genre has used the basic principles throughout time, and as a result, films of this type have not proven to be as timeless as another genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy. At first, these two genres might at times seem similar as they have at several occasions been blended together, but their basic, common theme serves diff erent meanings about humans. I shall compare and contrast these two genres and focus onRead MoreStar Wars : A Science Fiction Genre Trilogy2692 Words   |  11 PagesResearch Savon Benally Star Wars Star Wars is a Science Fiction genre trilogy. The stories and ideas of the trilogy were all written by George Lucas. Star Wars was originally a three movie saga. A New Hope was the first movie of the Star Wars trilogy released in 1977. Then a second movie was made sequencing A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Three years later a third movie was made, The Return of The Jedi (1983). With Star Wars originally being a 3 movie saga; a prequel was made with havingRead MoreEssay on How Terminator Two Satisfies the Science Fiction Genre1157 Words   |  5 PagesHow Terminator Two Satisfies the Science Fiction Genre The film, ‘TerminatorÂ’ is part of a trilogy; Terminator 2 is the sequel to the first terminator film- Terminator 1. The auteur, James Cameron, produced the first terminator movie in 1984; and because the film was a big success with a range of viewers- the majority of different genre lovers- , James Cameron had decided to create a sequel, which was producedRead MoreExploring the Film Genres of Horror, Science Fiction, and Action Movies817 Words   |  4 Pagesmovies are, in there own way, great. Practically the excitement of horror movies, and science and technology of science fiction movies, and action and enthusiasm in the action movies are some credits that makes people’s engrossment. Even so could all movies create an entertainment and make people experience their thoughts of imaginations in the real world. What are the most interesting things about these film genres, which could establish a fantasy world for their fans to escape to their imaginationsRead MoreThe Utopia And Science Fiction Genres Of Books, Movies, And Even Video Games1199 Words   |  5 PagesThis idea is often explored in the utopia and science fiction genres of books, movies, and even video games. In 1984, a book by George Orwell, citizens of Airstrip One, which was previously England, are under constant surveillance from th eir government and leader, Big Brother. Nothing in their country is private, even their thoughts are monitored and regulated by their government. Minority Report, directed by Steven Spielberg, depicts a science fiction future where citizens are under constant surveillanceRead MoreOppressive and Repressive Social Institutions, Value Systems and Codes of Behaviour Are Central to the Horror, Science-Fiction and Fantasy Genres. Focusing on 1-2 Examples of Your Choice, Consider How These Genres2841 Words   |  12 PagesOppressive and repressive social institutions, value systems and codes of behaviour are central to the horror, science-fiction and fantasy genres.  Focusing on 1-2 examples of your choice, consider how these genres mediate the ‘problem’ of the social.  How significant is ideology, as well as genre theory, to your case-study? This essay will explore the ways in which the horror genre perpetuates repressive and oppressive social institutions, value systems and codes of behaviour surrounding the homosexual