Science fiction cinema : between fantasy and reality / Christine Cornea.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cornea, Christine, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science fiction films--History and criticism.

Science fiction films.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 308 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This major new study offers a broad historical and theoretical reassessment of the science fiction film genre. The book explores the development of science fiction in cinema from its beginnings in early film through to recent examples of the genre. Each chapter sets analyses of chosen films within a wider historical/cultural context, while concentrating on a specific thematic issue. The book therefore presents vital and unique perspectives in its approach to the genre, which include discussion of the relevance of psychedelic imagery, the 'new woman of science', generic performance and the prevalence of 'techno-orientalism' in recent films. While American films will be one of the principle areas covered, the author also engages with a range of pertinent examples from other nations, as well as discussing the centrality of science fiction as a transnational film genre. Films discussed include The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Body Snatchers, Forbidden Planet, The Quatermass Experiment, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Demon Seed, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Wars, Altered States, Alien, Blade Runner, The Brother from Another Planet, Back to the Future, The Terminator, Predator, The One, Dark City, The Matrix, Fifth Element and eXistenZ. Key Features *Thematically organised for use as a course text. *Introduces current and past theories and practices, and provides an overview of the main themes, approaches and areas of study. *Covers new and burgeoning approaches such as generic performance and aspects of postmodern identity. *Includes new interviews with some of the main practitioners in the field: Roland Emmerich, Paul Verhoeven, Ken Russell, Stan Winston, William Gibson, Brian Aldiss, Joe Morton, Dean Norris and Billy Gray.

Contents:

Acknowledgements and thanks

Preface

List of illustrations

1. Introduction. The formation of the genre

Definitions and approaches

Traditions, forerunners and science fiction films

Interview : writer Brian Aldiss

Interview : writer William Gibson

2. Science fiction films in the 1950s

Fathers, sons and alien visitations

Romantic encounters

Daddy's girl

Outside influences

Interview : actor Billy Gray

3. Spaced out : between the 'golden years'

The odyssey begins

New worlds and old worlds

Interview : director Ken Russell

4. The masculine subject of science fiction in the 1980's : blockbuster era

The family films

The 1980's cyborg film

Science fiction and the global film market

Interview : director Paul Verhoeven

5. Gender blending and the feminine subject in science fiction film

Horror and the female subject of science fiction as 'composite' being

Replicating the femme fatale

Beyond the femme fatale

Mind over matter

Female hero meets femme fatale

Interview : director Paul Verhoeven (Part 2)

6. Alien others : race and the science fiction film

Representations of 'blackness' in science fiction of 1960s and 1970s

The African American alien in 1980s science fiction film

Issues of authenticity in the 1990's virtual reality film

The Asian American and the 'Oriental'

The 'Oriental' in Euro-American science fiction film

Interview : actor Joe Morton

7. Generic performance and science fiction cinema

Externalising performance

Internalising performance

Interview : actor Dean Norris

8. Conclusion : the technology of science fiction cinema

Computer graphics imagery and contemporary science fiction

Interview : special effects technician Stan Winston

Interview : director Roland Emmerich

Bibliography

Films cited

Index.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 02 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786610866465

9780748671106

0748671102

9781280866463

1280866462

9780748628704

0748628703

OCLC:

304076656