Synopses & Reviews
This book charts the dimensions of one of the most popular genres in the cinema. From lurid comic-book blockbusters to dark dystopian visions, science fiction is seen as both a powerful cultural barometer of our times and the product of particular industrial and commercial frameworks. The authors outline the major themes of the genre, from representations of the mad scientist and computer hacker to the relationship between science fiction and postmodernism, exploring issues such as the meaning of special effects and the influence of science fiction cinema on the entertainment media of the digital age. Over one hundred films are discussed and the book concludes with an extensive case study of Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace.
Review
"A useful, insightful and user-friendly manual for the post-millennium assessing the bygone futuristic visions that have shaped our image of the present and beyond." Kim Newman, author of Apocalypse Movies: End of the World Cinema
Review
"The best overview of English-language science fiction cinema published to date -thorough, clearly written and full of excellent examples. Highly recommended." Steve Neale, Sheffield Hallam University
Synopsis
From lurid comic-book blockbusters to dark dystopian visions, science fiction is seen as both a powerful cultural barometer of our times and the product of particular industrial and commercial frameworks. Major themes of the genre are outlined, from representations of the mad scientist and computer hacker to the relationship between science fiction and postmodernism, exploring issues such as the meaning of special effects and the influence of science fiction cinema on the entertainment media of the digital age. Over one hundred films are discussed and the book concludes with an extensive case study of "Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace."
About the Author
Both authors lecture in film and television studies at Brunel University, London. Geoff King has written on contemporary Hollywood cinema and cultural studies. Tanya Krzywinska has written on explicit sex films and the cinema of the occult.