Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today

Much of 20th century science fiction foretold technological and social developments beyond the year 2000. Since then, a key theme has been: what happens when the future no one anticipated arrives faster than anyone expected? Focusing on 21st century independent science fiction films, the author describes a seismic shift in subject matter as society moves into a new technological age. Independent films since the millennium are more daring, incisive and even plausible in their depiction of possible futures than blockbuster films of the same period. Twenty-one chapters break down today's subgenres, featuring interviews with the filmmakers who created them.

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.

Spanning nine decades and branded by the most trusted authority on film, Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Sci-Fi showcases 50 of the most shocking, weird, wonderful, and mind-bending movies ever made. From A Trip to the Moon (1902) to Arrival (2016), science fiction cinema has produced a body of classics with a broader range of styles, stories, and subject matter than perhaps any other film genre. They are movies that embed themselves in the depths of the mind, coloring our view of day-to-day reality and probably fueling a few dreams (and nightmares) along the way. In Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Sci-Fi, fifty unforgettable films are profiled, including beloved favorites like The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and Fantastic Voyage (1966), groundbreaking shockers like Planet of the Apes (1968) and Alien (1979), and lesser-known landmarks like Things to Come (1936) and Solaris (1972). Illustrated by astounding color and black-and-white images, the book presents the best of this mind-bending genre, detailing through insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes stories why each film remains essential viewing. A perfect gift for any film buff or sci-fi fanatic!

"[Kimmel's] writing is intelligent and entertaining.... his knowledge of SF movies is encyclopedic.... This is the guy you want sitting next to you when Channel 45 has a weekend 'sci-fi' movie marathon.... For anyone who likes SF movies, this volume is worth the price of admission." --Don Sakers, "The Reference Library," in "Analog Science Fiction and Fact" "Kimmel displays expertise on the subject along with a lively sense of humor scarcely a page is turned that doesn't yield a few good laughs.... Readers who already take science fiction seriously will enjoy the book's panoptic breadth and it's frank jubilation in its subject matter.... [Kimmel] makes it his business to guide his readers to science fiction films that are worthy of our attention as social commentary, whiz-bang spectacle, or works of entertainment that carry an extra edge.... the best advice to take with you on your foray into "Jar Jar Binks Must Die" is this: keep your Netflix wish list at the ready. You're going to revisit movies you hadn't thought about in years and be irresistibly tantalized by films you've never seen, and maybe never even heard of." --Kilian Melloy, in "Edge Boston" ..".the leading film voice in fandom today... Dan's look at all the SF Films of the previous century-plus is powerful and serious and smart and even sassy at points.... His look at "Metropolis" and "Things to Come" are both brilliant and much deeper and broader than mine in these pages.... I thought it was the best written look at "Destination Moon" I've ever read.... I could spend a day heaping praise on the essay 'Our Batman'.... So many great piece in here that I should just say this is the best film of essays about film of any nature that I've read in ages.... the best pieces of writing on SF Film you'll ever see!" --Chris Garcia, in "The Drink Tank" ..".one is left wanting more, which is a testament to Kimmel's writing abilities.... Even when you find yourself not agreeing with Kimmel his take on "E.T." is just plain wrong damn it!--the book remains worthwhile and thought-provoking.... "Jar Jar Binks Must Die" is worth a purchase." --Sci-Fi Movie Page "A spirited explanation of the role of science fiction films in our culture. Any serious fan of the cinema must read this book." --Michael A. Burstein, John W. Campbell Award-winning author

Examines one of the most enduring genres of Hollywood cinema: the science fiction film.

Offering a broad historical and theoretical reassessment of this popular genre, Cornea explores the development of science fiction in cinema from its very beginnings to the present day.

Endangering Science Fiction Film explores the ways in which science fiction film is a dangerous and endangering genre. The collection argues that science fiction's cinematic power rests in its ability to imagine ‘Other’ worlds that challenge and disturb the lived conditions of the ‘real’ world, as it is presently known to us. From classic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris to modern blockbusters including World War Z and Gravity, and directors from David Cronenberg to Alfonso Cuarón, contributors comment on the way science fiction film engages with dangerous encounters, liminal experiences, sublime aesthetics, and untethers space and time to question the very nature of human existence. With the analysis of a diverse range of films from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Endangering Science Fiction Film offers a uniquely interdisciplinary view of the evolving and dangerous sentiments and sensibility of this genre.