Science Fiction America: Essays on Sf Cinema
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
From the inception of the science fiction film, writers, directors, producers, and actors have understood that the genre lends itself to a level of social commentary not available in other formats. Viewers find it easier to accept explorations of such issues as domestic violence, war, xenophobia, faith, identity, racism, and other difficult topics when the protagonists exist in future times or other worlds that are only vaguely similar to our own.
The 22 original essays in this collection examine how the issues in particular science fiction filmsâ€"from 1930’s High Treason to 1999’s The Iron Giantâ€"reflect and comment on the prevailing issues of their time. The 16 writers (including such noted contributors as Ted Okuda, Gary Don Rhodes, Bryan Senn, John Soister and Ken Weiss) provide insight on how the genre’s wistful daydreaming, forthcoming wonders, and nightmarish scenarios are often grounded in the grimmer realities of the human condition. Films covered include It Came from Outer Space, Godzilla, The 27th Day, Alien and Starship Troopers, plus television’s The Adventures of Superman, the Flash Gordon serials, and vintage space cartoons by Fleischer.
About the Author
Editor and contributing writer David J. Hogan is the author of Dark Romance: Sexuality in the Horror Film (1997; “thought provoking”â€"Midnight Marquee) and is also a contributor to Filmfax, Outré, Moviegoer, Photon, Cinefantastique and other film magazines. He lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Science Fiction America: Essays on Sf Cinema,David J. Hogan,McFarland & Company,0786421495,Cinema/Film: Book,Film & Video - General,Film & Video - History & Criticism,Film Criticism,History and criticism,Performing Arts,Pop Arts / Pop Culture,Science fiction films,United States
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