Genre
What are the key signs you are reading or watching sci-fi? (Ruby)
What is the purpose of sci-fi? (effect on audience/author intention) (Adem, Ruby, Nico)
Name some key texts/films most well known in the sci-fi genre.
(Adem)
Explain the key differences between sci-fi and dystopian genres. (Nico)
advanced technology
Dystopian does not have to mean advanced
outerspace/space travel
Films: Bladerunner, Alien, Star Wars, The Matrix, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Terminator, Back to the Future, E.T., Inception, Arrival, Star Trek, Interstellar, Robocop, Jurassic Park, Planet of the Apes, Avatar and Predator.
a society that does not resemble our current one
Dystopias are societies in which an oppressive rule is imposed upon its citizens making everyday life miserable
fantastical elements such as aliens and creatures
Science Fiction and Dystopian societies often go hand in hand in entertainment as fear is solely based on our ability to perceive the future, therefore if the future is represented as fearful, you easily evoke emotion out of an audience
a huge dependence on technology
To depict a future society
This does not mean they are the same. Sci-Fi has been represented positively in films such as Black Panther, and Bicentennial man.
To talk about current social issues, but placed in another setting to prove a point.
i.e Star Wars depicting fascism
Hero's journey type plot structure
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Aesthetically, things are either minimalistic/modern, or industrial/cyberpunk
Lack of emphasis on agriculture, nature, and culture
Values are different
Language and slang is different
Science Fiction refers technological aspect, while Dystopia refers to the societal aspect of a story.
Befriending non-human beings
Defining good and evil.. Authority is usally evil and the people must fight back
Shows the struggle of one person living in this futuristic world
Sci-Fi would mean that technology is more advanced than the tech that was used at the time of the story's creation. Dystopia would mean that society is in a much worse state than the one at the time of the story's creation.
Science is at the forefront of society.
Allows creators to depict and display their story in any way they want without being limited by the technology of their era/
Texts: Enders Game, 1984, The Ghost in the Shell, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Akira, The Metamorphosis, The Martian, Ready Player One, Doomsday Book, Altered Carbon and The Stand.
A form as escapism
Reading/ watching things in alternate realities
Negative: What will happen if we continue our ways
Positive: How much we'll advance and how technology will improve the way of life.
i.e The Jetsons