AICE Media Studies Year: Science Fiction Research

Science Fiction

Most movies are built on adventure and outside of this world topics, what many people don't know is that many of these movies are Science Fiction.

Science Fiction movies are generally referred to as Sci-fi films. It is a genre that uses scientific or futuristic characteristics to explore the use of various advanced technology, space travel, or even alternate realities. They are sometimes confused with fantasy, yet they differ because Sci-fi relies more on the scientific or technological explanations rather than the supernatural or magical references. The setting in which sci-fi films usually set in are fantastical setting to connect on current societal issues. Some examples of this are privacy, environmental concerns, or even the nature of humanity itself.

CONTENT-

An easy way to spot a Sci-fi movie comes with having the setting of the movie set in space exploration. This element helps create the atmosphere for the setting of the movie. As it seems to be set in the future, people can turn the film into a whole adventure, exploring how human nature would evolve or coexist while in that setting.

-Star Wars is an example of this as it is set in a "galaxy far far away." Throughout the film they show advanced technology of spaceships being used like present daily life cars, in a way showing that people adapted to how things have changed, as well as the different life forms associated into the film.

As said above, different life forms can be associated into the film, incorporating "alienated" features, mutants, or genetically modified humans. Extraterrestrial and altered life can be featured in Sci-fi movies. Biological alterations can also be shown through scientific manipulation or enhancements like telekinesis or telepathy for humans.

-The film "Alien" highly relies on this feature of extraterrestrial and altered life.

PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES-

Sci-fi production techniques include; special effects, specific camera techniques (cinematography), and elaborate sets or props that contribute to the continuity of the film. The goal for these techniques is to visually represent the scientific and technological concepts of the story, using this symbols imagery to reinforce the theme of the conflict within the plot.

Special effects-

During Sci-fi movies, special effects is abundantly valued as it is used to create futuristic elements, including advanced technology, alien being, or different environments for the film in general.

Props/sets-

Using props and costumes that represent advanced or futuristic features to show the setting and technology within the story is key to keep the fluidity of the movie.

Cinematography-

Techniques like close-ups on certain scientific elements or even the futuristic elements, deeply emphasize the importance of the item, drawing the audiences attention to them.

MARKETING-

For science fiction films, marketing is used by holding a combination of recognizable conventions and cross-media promotion with direct engagement with the audience. Most of the strategies used for this cause a balance to establish fan expectations with also attracting new audiences. This is done by highlighting specific elements like the futuristic technology looks, alien encounters, or even some dystopian themes across Sci-fi films.

SAMPLES-

Blade Runner, a Sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott, is set in a dystopian setting in Los Angeles in 2019. Genetically engineered humans, (which are called "replicants"), are hunted by special police units known as the blade runners. (Which refers back to the origin of the title for the film) The plot continues, surrounding a character names "Rick Deckard" who is played by actor Harrison Ford. Rick is an experienced blade runner and he is tasked with tracking down and "retire" 4 of the escaped replicants who returned to earth. The film explores the negative side of technological and scientific advancement, incorporating greed into the mix. t goes into exploring the human identity and artificial intelligence of how to be human. Thee replicants are given false memories to create an "emotional cushion," making them highly similar to humans. The line between human and machine becomes a dangerous blur, focusing the audience to re-evaluate and think about the assumptions about consciousness. Different lighting s used to set the tone for the setting, moody, high contrast lighting are used as well as combining futuristic sets and props with the help of technological and visual narrative elements from the film "Blade Runner."

Arrival is a Sci-fi movie directed by Denis Villeneuve in 2016. The film begins when 12 shell-shaped alien spacecraft appear across the glob. The government began to scramble to prepare for contact with this new arrival. One Woman, Linguist Dr. Louise Banks is enlisted by the U.S. military to learn about the aliens. He discovered that the only way too truly contact or connect with them is to learn their language and determine their purpose for their destination on their home planet (Earth). Arrival uses various examples to showcase science fiction as it uses alien subjects to explore the fundamentals of communication and thought throughout the film. While trying to prevent a war, the nation tries to identify what it is the alien subjects want (their message). The film arrival is more deeply involved with redefining the "alien first-contact narrative." In this film, aliens are not shown as invaders, but rather a test for humanity's own crisis; our capacity for empathy. The scenery is set in a present yet futuristic setting, using various lighting and camera angles to emphasize the theme of the story.