The Science Fiction genre has its roots in the rise of science and technology at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike other forms of fiction that deal in what is either currently possible such as in standard fiction or in what may be deemed the impossible which is generally dubbed Fantasy, Science Fiction seeks to expand on the possibilities held through the natural extension of scientific research and development. The Science fiction movie extends current scientific development to imagine what may be possible if our knowledge and technology where to expand either in the future or in other possible realities. The basic formula for the Sci-Fi film is to extend these possibilities to an extreme and examine the function of man as he conflicts with these new paradigms.
Early Sci-Fi films dealt strictly with flights of imagination. Such films as “The Day the Earth Stood Still” from 1952 and going as far back as the original silent Sci-Fi flick from 1902, “A Trip to The Moon” all examined theoretical possibilities in future times or with leaps in technology. These films set the standard by which all Sci-Fi would be judged and served as the basis for many television and movie spin-offs that stoked the original fire of the Sci-Fi audience. It wasn’t until advancements in movie making techniques and special effects where made that a new era of Sci-Fi was born. These special effects breakthroughs paved the way for Sci-Fi films with greater budgets and larger sets that allowed for the true feeling of futurism to take hold, thus establishing a new standard.
Films such as “2001 A Space Odyssey” in 1968 and perhaps, more importantly “Star Wars” in 1977 employed massive budgets and advanced special effects techniques that gave true life to a genre that is still alive today. “Star Wars”, written and directed by George Lucas, is thought by many to be the quintessential Science Fiction action flick. It employees strong modeling and location shooting to create the imagery of space flight and distant planets as well as to bring the true feeling of the vastness of space to the viewer. In “Star Wars”, the forces of evil have gained complete control of the know universe leaving only a small resistance that fights for freedom. This is the classic tale of the small guy overcoming insurmountable odds to win his own freedom. The resistance is chased across the Universe until it is cornered by the Empire and faced with a technological monstrosity, the Death Star, which guarantees their demise. Armed only with the knowledge of a possible flaw in the Death Star, they gather their small band and attack the incoming base.
The Destruction of the Death Star leaves the audience feeling elated and free, conveying a feeling of hope that is carried into the sequels. This energy is not a product of the genre itself but rather of the story construct which is facilitated by the genre. The extension of imagination makes the story possibilities of Sci-Fi almost endless, as is evidenced in the use of Sci-Fi to apply as background in stories of traditional principle. Examples of this are seen in “Blade Runner” which is essentially a detective story set against Science Fiction concepts and ‘Starship Troopers” which is the Military model placed in a Science Fiction world.
“Dune”, directed by David Lynch in 1984, while following the standard good vs. evil system, created a story line and set principles that, for its day, can only be considered baroque. “Dune” is a complex story in which several entities work for and against each other to accomplish their own goals. In a super futuristic world set in the year 10,121, civilization has advanced in many respects while still maintaining some aspects which seem outdated. The known universe functions under a vassal system in which an emperor is in complete control.
When the sitting emperor feels threatened by the growing popularity of house Atreides, he sets about pitting house Harkonin against them in order to eliminate Atreides and satisfy Baron Harkonin. This plan draws the attention of an autonomous organization know as the navigation guild which starts the gears of complexity in motion. Lynch was able to depict vast planetscapes of great variation such as huge industrial areas and great deserts using limited visual effects capabilities. The inclusion of ornate grand halls, great interstellar ships, and a vast array of characters co-operated to delivery a story of giant proportions. Despite the grandeur, “Dune” stayed faithful to the standard David and Goliath principle, and managed to comfortably include religion as an interwoven fabric of the story.
The Science Fiction genre has multiplied into several sub genres in such a way that seems to imply that any story could essentially be rewritten using Sci-Fi principles. The genre serves as both a backdrop for other genres or as a primary driver for its own pure genre. In either case, it makes for compelling cinema and is sure to live on as one of the great genres of film.
