Introduction to Science Friction

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Introduction to Science Fiction

What is Science Fiction? : 

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.

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In mood the novel is a tale of terror, in plot a laboratory experiment gone awry. The fusion of Gothic materials and science in this novel brought the tale of terror clearly into the stream of science fiction and also gave it a more credible base. If not the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein is at least the first novel that showed what a science fiction novel would be (James Gunn).

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Remember: Writers take scientific possibilities and develop them step-by-step from known data to form a story.

What is Extrapolation? : 

What is Extrapolation? Extrapolation is when a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events or circumstances evolve. Ie: Man can build space shuttles. Man can travel to faraway planets.

Science Fiction VS. 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.

Major Themes in Science Fiction : 

Major Themes in Science Fiction Space travel to and from other planets (ie: Star Wars, Star Trek) Time travel to the past and future (ie: Back to the Future) Psychological/biological changes to man brought about by scientific changes (ie: The Incredible Hulk)

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Supernormal powers/talents (ie: Superman, Spiderman, Batman) Science applied to human relations for constructive or destructive purposes (ie: Weird Science) Battle with alien life forms (ie: Signs) Alternate Universe (ie: Star Wars)

Plot Conventions of Science Fiction : 

Plot Conventions of Science Fiction Examples of Story Ideas: The Last Man/Woman on Earth The Robot The First Landing Story Time Travel The Alternate World The Lost Civilization

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The Alien Encounter The Colonization of a New Planet The End of the World The Long Spaceship Voyage The Computer From the point of view of an alien

Sci Fi Movies in the ’60’s : 

Sci Fi Movies in the ’60’s Also in 1960 came The Time Machine, starring Rod Taylor, from the novel by H. G. Wells.   Stanley Kramer made another foray into science fiction in 1964 with Dr. Strangelove; Love the Bomb. This dark comedic satire of nuclear war features Peter Sellars.   Fahrenheit 451 (1966) stars Oskar Werner in François Truffaut's film of the Ray Bradbury novel.

Sci Fi Movies in the 70’s : 

Sci Fi Movies in the 70’s In 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 as literature skyrocketed into the stratosphere again, rejuvenating and expanding the entire field. Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) comprise the middle trilogy of a projected three-trilogy cycle of films by George Lucas, based in part on Joseph Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces.

Movies in the 80’s : 

Movies in the 80’s Batman (1989) is a stylish telling of the story of the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton); unfortunately Jack Nicholson dominated as The Joker. The sequel Batman Returns is memorable for appearances by the Penquin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Batman Forever features a new Caped Crusader (Val Kilmer), the debut of sidekick Robin and villains played by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Batman and Robin (1997) stars George Clooney as Batman, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy. Alicia Silverstone debuts as Batgirl.

Sci Fi Movies in the 90’s : 

Sci Fi Movies in the 90’s Total Recall (1990), another Schwarzenegger vehicle, is loosely based on Philip K. Dick's short story, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale." Edward Scissorhands (1993) is a Frankenstein take-off. Timecop (1994) became a television series as did Stargate (1994). Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) was directed by and stars Kenneth Branaugh as Victor. Robert de Niro plays the Monster. Independence Day (1996), a wildly-patriotic film, also turned out to be eerily prophetic in the wake of 9/11.

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Several major films came out in 1997: Men in Black Contact, based on a novel by Carl Sagan Starship Troopers, based on the novel by Robert A. Heinlein. Face/Off, a fantasy thriller about stolen identities directed by John Woo

Sci Fi Movies Today : 

Sci Fi Movies Today What are some famous science fiction movies in this decade? Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions New Star Wars Trilogy Spiderman Men in Black 1&2 A.I. Minority Report Signs

Why should we study Science Fiction? : 

Why should we study Science Fiction? Entertaining Makes the audience wonder “What If?” Encourages creativity in writing and role-playing Introduces students to a new literary genre Teaches lessons about the value and dangers of advanced technology Enhances imagination