Dani's Creative Endeavours: Science Fiction

How is science fiction represented in film?

- Science fiction/Sci-Fi films are frequently methodical, idealistic, and creative in character, are typically envisioned through bizarre, inventive settings, specialized film production design, sophisticated technology, and special graphics.

Content

- Science fiction films depict dystopias or utopias of the future. This is portrayed through feelings of suspense. They also depict extremely advanced technology and are usually based around the plots of, technology taking over, or the loss of control due to technology's power. These techniques are used to portray the future society as either highly desirable and perfect (utopia) or as totalitarian and frightening (dystopia). Science Fiction films can also be composed of a mix of sub-genres such as Science Fiction Horror. The overall goals of these films are to alert society of what the world could be if it isn't cared for or vise versa.

Examples of advanced technology in Sci-Fi films:

Marty Mcfly from Back To the Future was able to use a hoverboard that floated over any surface. (Back to The Future Part II)

Iron Man has powered armor that grants him superhuman strength and durability, as well as flight and a variety of weaponry. (Iron-Man 1)

Examples of utopia and dystopia in Sci-Fi films:

Disney's Tomorrowland presents a utopian society based on a futuristic theme park land. (Tomorrowland)

The film The Maze Runner presents a dystopian society where a group of teenagers are abandoned, and shows them and their attempts in escaping. (The Maze Runner)

Production Techniques

- Throughout these productions, special effects, different perspectives (ex. forced perspective.) camera angles, sound effects, lighting, costuming, and props are used to convey the story. Special effects are the most frequently used. They are used to portray the innovate inventions, body modifications, and enthralling backgrounds that make Sci-Fi movies.

- Special effects give meaning to the setting and provide visuals. Perspectives are used to make items appear larger or smaller than they are in reality. Camera angles, such as dutch angles, can portray emotions of chaos in these films. Sound effects can emphasize certain actions. Lighting, props and costuming define the setting.

Example of special effects in Science Fiction films:

How special effects impact the look of films (Marvel)

Example of perspective in Science Fiction films:

Perspective used to depict the characters as small in Star Wars: Rogue One

Marketing

- The target audience of Science Fiction films was made up of Males ages 18-34, although this narrative has began to recently change, with the release of films such as Dune and the Marvel Cinematic Universe rising to popularity. The Target audience has now become teenagers (female/male) and the secondary target has changed to males aged 18-34.

- Science Fiction films are usually advertised with impressive trailers to catch consumers' attention. The film posters are usually showing impressive shots such as large buildings, space stations etc... Most Sci-Fi films share similar plots. The posters are all made up of neutral colors, but the costuming and lighting shown allow the characters to stand out. As the posters showcase ethereal backgrounds, it gives an idea to the viewer that the film is about something other-worldly.

Samples:

The film Jurassic Park (1993) is the story of a rich businessman secretly builds an entertainment park on a remote island, complete with living dinosaurs generated from prehistoric genetic material. Before the park opens to the public, he invites a distinguished paleontologist, a paleobotanist, a mathematician, and his grandkids to see it and assuage the fears of apprehensive funders. Their trip to the park, on the other hand, is far from tranquil, as the park's security system breaks, the prehistoric creatures escape, and the excitement builds to unanticipated heights. The film includes special effects and robotic machines to visualize the dinosaurs. Sound effects and music were used in the film to build suspense. This film is the perfect blend of science and fiction, as the whole plot of the film revolves around genetic engineering and the process of creating the dinosaurs from prehistoric DNA but also includes aspects that are fantastical such as the idea of cloning dinosaurs as a whole, as it has never been possible to clone something prehistoric. The main theme of the film is Science v Ethics. The use of colors and silhouettes develop a sense of mystery and realism.

The film The Maze Runner:The Scorch Trials (2015) is set after WCKD's first trial was successfully completed by Thomas, Newt, Minho, and the other gladers. They are now realizing that the world around them has been wiped out by a horrible disease known as The Flare, and that they are the only ones immune to it, which is why they are being tested. All of the experiments that WCKD is carrying out seek to determine their efficacy in producing a cure. They're attempting to flee because WCKD is looking for a remedy for terrible motives. This film use methods such as wide angle shots and other camera angles to make the environment around them appear obsolete and to convey a sense of loneliness to the audience. Perspective is also employed to convey a sense of loneliness. Costuming and lighting is used to make it appear to be situated in the future. This film also discusses the abuse of technology and how it has a negative impact on society. This disease that has been plaguing them requires a cure, but they are seeking it for unethical grounds; because of technology, a specific faction has risen to power, and the other residents have no recourse.

Others:

Interstellar (2014)