Reality simulation in science fiction literature, film and television / Heather Duerre Humann.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Humann, Heather Duerre, 1974- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science fiction--History and criticism.

Science fiction.

Virtual reality.

Science fiction films--History and criticism.

Science fiction films.

Science fiction television programs--History and criticism.

Science fiction television programs.

Physical Description:

viii, 195 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2019]

Summary:

In recent decades, science fiction in both print and visual media has produced an outpouring of story lines that feature forms of simulated reality. These depictions appear so often that fictional portrayals of simulated worlds have become a popular SF trope-one that prompts timeless questions about the nature of reality while also tapping into contemporary debates about emerging technologies. In combination with tech-driven tensions, this study shows that our collective sense of living in politically uncertain times also propels the popularity of these story lines. These fictional representations provide a window into contemporary culture and demonstrate how we are reassessing our own reality.

Contents:

Section 1 Simulated Worlds In Science Fiction Literature p. 27

1 Whose Reality Counts? Subjectivity in Simulacron-3 and The Plagiarist p. 33

2 Shifting Reality in Amnesia Moon and Chronic City p. 47

3 Playing in the Virtual World: Ready Player One p. 57

4 Reconstructing Reality in Tomorrow and Tomorrow p. 66

5 "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience trade": Authenticity in the Virtual Realm? p. 76

Section 2 Simulated Realms In Film p. 83

6 Simulation (in) Theory: Josef Rusnak's The Thirteenth Floor p. 87

7 Simulated Dreamscapes in Christopher Nolan's Inception p. 95

8 Mixed Reality in Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch p. 105

9 Representation and Reality in Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror: Bandersnatch p. 115

Section 3 Reality Simulation In Television p. 128

10 Consciousness and Constructed Realities in Altered Carbon and Westworld p. 133

11 Reality Simulation Revisited: Black Mirror p. 143

12 Manic Mind Trips in Maniac p. 154

13 Virtual Reality in Reverie p. 165.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 179-189) and index.

ISBN:

9781476677538

1476677530

OCLC:

1106178601