Films in the genre of science fiction portray storytelling that questions the underlying nature of current and historical human accomplishment. Science fiction goes above and beyond the realms of reality. Furthermore, a large number of science fiction films demonstrate a strong focus on technological innovation. Science fiction films have changed some people viewpoints on the world in just a few hours. Though the story hides behind a burst of imagination, the moral of the story stands strong. 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. Science fiction films shape culture and community in a form of entertainment and are capable of carrying much more meaning behind the fictional front. This essay will highlight how science fiction reflects on technology, culture and the perspective of people in society.
Television and movies have, for generations, been a constant factor in the lives of people. No matter the genre, storytelling by film and/or book carry significant meaning and most often inspire viewers in some form or fashion. Films such as Interstellar, The Martian, and Star Wars, to name only a few, all behold ideas in science fiction and push the boundaries of the unknown. Star Wars first premiered in 1977 and looking at most astronomical societies such as NASA, these astronomical societies have advanced in spectacular ways. Star Wars was an epic hit in space exploration and these ideas surfaced more than three decades ago. Writers who create these works of art carry much inspiration in their current setting but in turn inspire many through their imaginative storytelling for years to come. These creations have a significant effect on the audiences that views them, whether it be sub-consciously or consciously. In fact, science fiction could even turn into science fact. “From Mars to flying cars to digital drugs, robot friends to teleportation, GPS to mobile communicators, smart food to mitochondrial reproduction techniques, links are often drawn between science fiction and technological innovation” (Bassett, 1). Therefore there is evidence that an abundance of science fiction elements can be seen to have influenced the development of technology. For example Buzz Aldrin, who traveled to the moon, is now a part of an imaginative, virtual project based on the mission to Mars. Buzz Aldrin believes, whole heartedly, that creating a virtual world of what life on Mars will be like, will help scientist better prepare for the innovations needed to sustain life on Mars (Bassett, 1).
Film and television may not always reflect the values of society, but often, many science fiction films have a strong moral base entwined in a story exploding with special effects and virtual surprises. For example, Avatar, though Avatar involves several alien species mixed with humans, the storyline is based on the world being connected through land, life and nature. These values address the general composition of science fiction storytelling, which can be seen to be composed of specific aspects of societal perception and shifts in technology and culture. Just to create the movie Avatar and bring the story to life, the film used serious innovation. Avatar used breakthrough technology with photo realistic and premium 3-D special effects, thus already stepping up the capabilities of technology through film. This is evident when looking at the genre of science fiction and its relationship with society. Other examples include, superheroes, aliens, machinery, robotics and all other science fiction elements that can be said to provide a level of influence. What little child doesn’t pretend to fly in the air and save the world from the enemy? Most children grow up believing in superhero and hope to even be a superhero someday. 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 by any means a new genre. Science fiction dates back almost two hundred years. Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, is considered one of the first example that demonstrates the development of the ideas that underlie the dimensions 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 natural science, it’s the thirst for innovation that sparks the story and makes it cutting edge. Frankenstein was written in 1816 and contains many biological aspects to the story, thus introducing procedure and method in creating life using limbs and organs (Glassy, 256). This reflection on creating a monster could possibly have inspired others to create other versions of themselves using surgical procedure, thus the evolution of modern plastic surgery (Hamilton, 58). Frankenstein is an exploration of “science and the threat of science, satire, and the quasi-mythological nature of the new mythologies” (Thomas 23). As scientific advancement continue throughout the next couple of centuries the underlying focus of science fiction will also continue to assist in innovative thinking.
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.
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.
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. The depictions of progress and the challenges associated with this progress are a fundamental aspect of the genre. As society technologically advances so must the stories and questions that are associated with these developments. Furthermore, as the audiences view 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. The value system that debuts in comic book stories are the perfect example of the forces between good and evil. 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). People identify Batman as the hero and the Joker as the villain and ultimately breeds personal reflections on the good, bad and ugly realities of life.
In conclusion, evidence suggests that science fiction does indeed carry a reflection on how technology evolves, how people think and how culture molds. Moreover, these stem from authors, directors and filmmakers, portraying experiences that ultimately make people think. Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge”, but the two together equals innovation. The value systems that superhero reflect inspire people of all ages to carry an image of good and evil and solutions to trouble. Space science fiction films reflect inspiration to think beyond the scope of what we know today and combines the use of technology to advance to achieve galactic goals. NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft traveled ten years to reach the dwarf planet Pluto. Today, the public knows what the planet looks like up close. Ten years ago, we could only imagine what it looked like. The relationship between science fiction exists and reflects on many aspects of society, how society moves forward, thinks and deciphers what is moral.
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.
Glassy, Mark C. The Biology of Science Fiction Cinema. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2001. Print.
Hamilton, David. A History of Organ Transplantation: Ancient Legends to Modern Practice. Pittsburgh, PA: U of Pittsburgh, 2012. 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.
