Science fiction films demonstrate a form of storytelling that questions the underlying nature of human accomplishment, but all of reality as well. As is evident in various modern films such as Interstellar, The Martian, and Star Wars ideas such as the exploration of space and pushing the boundaries of the unknown are explored. Furthermore, science fiction films demonstrate a strong focus on technological innovation and human accomplishment. These accomplishments are often framed in relation to profound moral questions that are concerned with the circumstances of the human condition. In assessing the relationship between humanity, technology, and society science fiction films are able to challenge the very values that civilization is built upon.
Television and movies have, for generation, been a constant factor in the lives of people. No matter the genre, these stories often carry significant way in regards to the association that they have with the social contexts of which they are a part. Those who create these works of art make the argument that rather than making up the elements that are contained in these stories they take inspiration from society and its values. This would indicate that these creations have no effect on the audiences that view them. However, whether it actually is the case that television and movies have any impact on the values held by society is an important question. If there is, in fact, viewing television and film does influence audiences then this could potentially have an effect on the way that people behave. In order to explore whether or not this is the case, it is necessary to analyze the question in relation a specific genre. Through analysis of the relationship between science fiction and society it will be possible to assess whether these films have an effect on the populations that are exposed to them.
In addressing the background information related to science fiction, there is evidence of various features that can be said to define the genre, the history of genre, and how superhero TV shows or films in particular fit into its history. In looking at this history, there is evidence that an abundance of science fiction elements can be seen to have influenced the development of technology. Film and television do not simply reflect the values of society. Instead, they both reflect and inform the social values that are present within a society. These values address the general composition of these films and television shows, which can be seen to be composed of specific aspects of technological achievement themselves. This is evident when looking at the genre of science fiction and its relationship with society. There are various popular examples of science fiction that can address the question of the genre's impact on the social values related to technological development. Superheros, space, and science are all elements of science fiction that can be said to provide a level of influence on the stories and how they play out. Science fiction can be described as “an examination of the pursuit of science by highlighting the dangers inherent in who is governing that science and why” (Thomas 18). In this sense, the genre is political in nature. It questions the nature of power and control as associated with technological developments. Within the superhero genre in particular, this is exemplified in villains that leverage their assets in order to commit nefarious deeds.
Science fiction is not a new genre. Throughout history, manifestations of scientific achievements have often coincided with works of fiction that question and challenge the underlying assumptions that these developments are based on. Modern science fiction dates back almost two hundred years. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is considered the first example that demonstrates the development of the ideas that underlie the whole of science fiction. The story presents strong scrutiny of unbound scientific pursuits, but also seems to hold a deep appreciation of both nature and the ideologies of pure science. While Frankenstein has essentially corrupted nature he still has a longing for discovery. This book is an exploration of “science and the threat of science, satire, and the quasi-mythological nature of the new mythologies” (Thomas 23). As scientific advances continued throughout the next couple of centuries the underlying focus of science fiction would expand to new areas. New technologies and dystopian futures are examined alongside the human condition which, since the inception of the genre, has been a constant point of consideration.
Within the works of science fiction a redefinition of the relationship between humanity and nature is at constant odds with the desires of human achievement to continuously push the boundaries of knowledge. These two concepts are constantly at odds within the genre. When superheroes have powers it removes them from the bounds of normal society (Frisby 275). This development causes the need for reflection in order to assess and reinterpret the identities that are inherent in social evolution that can remain in pace with technological evolution. Science fiction itself can therefore be seen to be an evolution of humanity from its roots in history towards the future. Alongside this development, the constantly evolving nature of technology has been a major source of tension and change. This tension is leveraged by the authors of science fiction and the creators of the film and television associated with the genre in order to establish a line of questioning regarding the challenges that face the development of technology in relation to the social implications that it brings.
In analyzing and assessing the research associated with the relationship between science fiction and society it is necessary to address the question of whether or not it is able to have an impact on the people that view it or if the ideas within the genre are simply manifestations of the underlying social values that are already present. In order to understand whether or not the genre has an impact on society or simply reflects it it is necessary to consider the relationship between the historic view of fiction that audiences have had and its implications for society. In doing so, it is evident that science fiction does in fact have a profound influence on not only the way that people view technology but also in how it is used and the level of acceptance that it receives in everyday life. This acceptance is primarily dependent upon the capacity of the genre to illicit specific emotions that challenge audiences to address and contend with the underlying issues and considerations that are intrinsic to the pursuit of science. These pursuits are rooted in the underlying purpose of science fiction.
Research suggests that there is a profound connection between technology, innovation, and the genre of science fiction. The authors of “Better Made Up: The Mutual Influence of Science fiction and Innovation” suggest that “there is traffic between fictional and real worlds of science and technology and these worlds are connected” (Bassett et al. 1). Whether this traffic goes both ways, or just one is an essential question. It seems evident that society itself informs the content of movies and television. However, the impact that the medium has on the social values inherent within an audience should also be consider. The influence that media can have on audiences would likely be large-scale, demonstrating a major source of influence that has the potential to influence large populations. This influence is derived from the interconnections between advances in technology, human and society, and the natural world. The tensions that result from these relationships is the source of inspiration for the creation of the problems people face in science fiction.
Audiences are commonly subjected to a variety of images and ideas related to technological development and innovation. In the modern world, many of the ideas or consequences of technology are “spectacularly visualized in blockbuster films” (Bassett et al. 2). Despite this, it is not clear whether or not these visualizations have a profound effect on the values that audiences hold. While the content of the stories are often associated with particular views or ideologies it is indicated that there are important characteristics associated with the questions underlying these creations. The visualization of technology that is apparent within science fiction films and television allows the audience to gain a deeper appreciation for the scope and potential of scientific advancement. At the same time, these possibilities are rooted in explorations of the deeper problems that humanity would likely face if higher forms of technology were implemented. In this sense, these depictions are often associated with the dichotomy between utiopian and dystopian views of progress.
The opinion of society is often reflected in the films and television programs that explore science fiction and the possibilities that it brings. However, while these possibilities are often framed in the context of grand accomplishments they are also delivered with a level of contention in relation to the priorities that are given to various aspects of change. Visions of these technologies are presented “in relation to social critique/social utopia, in relation to desire, mood, and affect, and as interpretation and for whom” (Bassett et al. 7). In this sense, it is evident that these films are often tailored to present a specific line of questioning or in order to cause audiences to question the underlying assumptions they have concerning themselves and their relationship with society and technology. It is this that demonstrates that the associations between film, television, and audiences are, in fact, a two way street. While the underlying social values present in society are implicit in the values that this genre presents, it is also true that the genre informs and impacts the capacity of its audiences to consider and understand the implications of various developments. In this context, it is evident that the challenges associated with changing technologies are exemplified within film and television and, simultaneously, the implications of these challenges provide audiences with insight into the moral or ethical considerations of specific pursuits.
The effect of film on audiences can be understood in relation to the various priorities that are associated with industry and technological change. These priorities are not only informed, but also inform, the audiences that view the messages inherent in science fiction. The depictions of progress and the challenges associated with this progress are a fundamental aspects of the genre. As society advances technologically so must the stories and questions that are associated with these developments. Furthermore, as the view that audiences have of these technologies change, their perspectives are reflected in the continuously evolving stream of superhero, space, and dystopian movies that are created. Science Fiction therefore “travels into new contexts in the real world and also into other fictional realms and [leading to] the work being materially transformed” (Bassett et al. 8). These transformations reflect the potentiality of human industry and its capacity to create new and profound technologies that continue to shape the very foundations of human identity.
The evolution of science fiction series themselves can further demonstrate the capacity of these stories to challenge the values held by audiences. Chris Gould, in the essay “The Unexpected Cultural Evolution” claims that despite the various shortcomings faced by the 1960s Batman series, it was immensely popular and “challenged people to aspire to a world where right and wrong were easily distinguishable” (Gould 271). This line of questioning would ultimately come full circle and, decades later, as audiences continued to see value in the associations between cinema and experience the franchise would take on a much darker tone.
Evidence suggests that science fiction does indeed have a strong impact on the values that societies have. This demonstrates the profound impact that film and television have on the experiences of people in society. In looking at superhero movies in particular, it is evident that a strong sense of value is placed on the heroes that are depicted. These values can be seen to reflect the need for society to come to terms with the implications of progress and the dramatic changes that it can bring. In understanding the relationship between science fiction and society a better idea of the implications of the portrayal of certain moral values can help to inform the most effective way to present the medium moving forward.
Works Cited
Bassett, Caroline, Steinmueller, Ed, and Voss, George. Better Made Up: The Mutual Influence of Science fiction and Innovation. Nesta Working Paper No. 13/07. 2012. Print.
Frisby, Cynthia M. Getting Real With Reality TV. Film and Television. 2016. Print.
Gould, Chris. Batman: The Unexpected Cultural Revolution. Magazine Americana. 2011. Print.
Thomas, P.L. Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction: Challenging Genres. Sense: Greenville, USA. Critical Literacy Teaching Series: Challenging Authors and Genre. Vol. 3. Print.
