Science Fiction and genre
Science fiction themes
Textual analysis: Star Wars
Blade Runner

Science fiction and genre

Genre films contain conventions which enable us to categorise them. Visual signs - known as iconography - are essential identifiers that audiences decode and interpret. We also have expectations of the typical storyline, key scenes and narrative conventions associated with films in a particular genre.  

1. Identify the iconography of a science fiction movie
    
2. a Outline the familiar narrative structure of a mainstream science fiction  film, including the various ‘stages’ of the story development.    

   b What often causes the disruption to the initial equilibrium?  

   c Are all conflicts resolved?

   d What key scenes do we expect to see?
   

3.  Analyse how Star Wars confirms these expectations and compare it to The Empire Strikes Back.    

   What similarities exist between both films and what differs?   

4. Star Wars has been described as "a Western in space". To what extent does it follow the conventions of a Western?

Science fiction themes

In addition to recurring imagery, narrative structures and key sequences, genre films also contain recurring themes. Science fiction films often feature:

• Action which involves space and/or time travel
• Storylines motivated by scientific research and progress
• Conflicts from scientific research and space/time travel
• Explorations of the nature of humanity, comparing humans to androids and/or unknown species. A theme of ‘difference’ is always highlighted.

1. How are aliens and androids perceived in ET, The Terminator, Men In Black and Star Wars?    

   Are they always villains?   

2. Analyse the themes listed above in two films of your choice.    

   Choose sequences which highlight these themes.

Textual analysis: Star Wars

Analyse the opening sequence of Star Wars.  

1. What science fiction conventions are clearly apparent?    

   What expectations are generated about the storyline?
   

2.  How do we receive this information?
    
3. What symbolic and audio codes differentiate the goodies and baddies?
    
4. Compare and contrast this sequence with the opening of The Empire Strikes Back. 

Blade Runner

1. In order to be defined as a science fiction movie, Blade Runner must share common conventions with other films in the genre.    

   What does it have in common with Star Wars and how does it differ? 
   

2. Many science fiction films offer a specific image of the future. They can be set on earth or in a galaxy far, far away.
   Some comment directly on the present despite being set in the future.

   a What kind of futuristic society is presented in Blade Runner?  

   b To what extent does director Ridley Scott draw parallels between futuristic LA and the present?  

   c How does its vision of the future compare with The Terminator? 
   

3. At the centre of Blade Runner is Deckard’s quest to ‘retire’ the escaped replicants.    

   a What initial judgements do we make about the replicants and why do we  judge them so quickly?

   b How do our reactions change towards them and why?  

   c To what extent is the division between ‘them’ and ‘us’ questioned in the  film?  

   d Why do Deckard’s attitudes change?  

   e To what extent are the replicants lacking in emotions compared to a  human character like Tyrell?  

   f How does director Scott subvert our initial expectations of a science  fiction narrative? Are there variations on the ‘typical’ conventions of science fiction in this film?

 Summary

1. How can Blade Runner be categorised as a science fiction movie?
    
2. What does a comparison between Blade Runner and Star Wars tell us about genre movies?