Transcript Science Fiction: A Definition

Sci Fi and Horror Film
Elements of Science Fiction
I. Science Fiction Defined
a. Science Fiction (commonly known as Scifi or SF) is a sub-genre of fiction and is
difficult to define because it is similar to
the fantasy genre and has changed a lot
over the years.
b. Definition: SF is a genre of fiction in
which the stories often tell about science
and technology of the future.
II. Elements of Science Fiction
a. Setting:
i. SF films are often set in the future, the extended past, in
space, on a different world, or in a different universe or
dimension.
b. Plot
i. The plot creates situations different from those of both
the present day and the past.
ii. Science fiction films also include humans, and explain
what effect new discoveries and scientific developments
will have on us in the future.
Elements of Science Fiction
–cont.i. Conflict: (2 types)
1.People & their problems (human element)
a. Example: The evil scientist who tries to rule the
world by contaminating the drinking water with a
chemical potion.
2. Machines & the problems they can cause
(technology element)
a. Example: A good robot gone bad. (Frankenstein)
b. Example: Computers who try to rule the world.
III. Extrapolation
a. When a writer takes a known scientific fact
and imagines what might happen if certain
events or circumstances take place.
i. Building a space shuttle
ii. Making a robot
iii. Constructing a time machine
IV. Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
a. Science Fiction and Fantasy stories are both makebelieve tales, however,…
i. fantasies are stories that involve beings and events that do not
exist in real life.
ii. fantasy has no rules—anything is possible!
iii. fantasy stories may or may not start realistically, but they
always evolve into tales that could never really happen.
iv. SF focuses on real or imagined developments in science or
technology and later contains elements of fantasy.
v. SF takes real science ideas and advances them so far into the
future that they become fantasy.
V. Science Fiction may include:
a. scientific discoveries or developments
b. environmental changes
c. space travel
d. life on other planets
e. mutants
f. robots
VI.Where you may have seen SF
a. Space travel to and from other planets
i. Star Wars, Star Trek
b. Time travel to the past and future
i. Back to the Future
c. Psychological/biological changes to man
brought about by scientific changes
i. The Incredible Hulk
d. Supernormal power/talents
i. Superman, Spiderman
Horror Films
Key conventions
Mise en scene
• Isolated, abandoned, historical, areas with a
sense of claustrophobia and smothering
atmosphere.
• Dark contrasting light clothing to show the good
and evil, with color splashing when connotations
are needed to illustrate a certain aspect of the
characters representation.
• Props with signs that create codes of the horror
genre: candles, blood, weapons, masks.
• horror
Camera Work
• Camera angles are low to show superiority of
one character over another.
• There will also be many extreme closeups to
show importance and fear.
• POV shots allow the audience to connect with
the fear and intensity of the characters.
• Depth of field gives a sense of isolation.
• Hand held shots can help the audience to
experience the action.
Editing
• The editing is very important to make the film
give the atmosphere desired
• For example, if there hasn’t been a fast paced
montage of shots in a while the chance is there
will be something about to happen or scare the
audience
• The use of continuity editing and jump cuts are
usually used by horror films so the audience are
more engaged
Sound
• Sounds are very important for creating the
desired atmosphere and setting a tension
within the audience who are made to feel
jumpy
• Usually diegetic sounds are used against
absolute silence making the loudness of a
burst of action or jumpy scene even more
tense
• Sounds such as footsteps, heart beats,
breathing ect. are all diegetic and iconic in
horror films.
Classic Character types to a horror
film.
• The main protagonist – hero.
• The villian –
• The character who always gets
killed –
The Day the Earth Stood Still
• 1951
• Robert Wise
• An alien lands and tells the people of
Earth that they must live peacefully or
be destroyed as a danger to other
planets.
Carrie
• 1976
• Brian de Palma
• A young, abused and timid 17-year-old girl
discovers she has telekinesis, and gets
pushed to the limit on the night of her
school's prom by a humiliating prank.
Independence Day
• 1996
• Roland Emmerick
• The aliens are coming and their goal is to
invade and destroy. Fighting superior
technology, Man's best weapon is the will
to survive.