Well we've all been reading and discussing about a whole lot of science-fiction (in-class and on this blog), both colonial sci-fi and modern, that is post-colonial sci-fi.
So let me ask you, what do you think makes good science fiction? Here I'm talking about books, movies, shows, etc. basically any science fiction artifact. How do we judge the quality of that artifact? By the realistic possibility of it happening? By the philosophical/scientific questions it raises? By the technology it depicts? By the depth of its plot and characters, like any other form of fiction? Or something else?
Here's a few snippets from really extraordinary science fiction I'm aware of, just to get you all thinking on what I consider great science fiction.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (book)
Courtesy: www.littlebrown.co.uk
2. Star Trek (franchise)
Courtesy: Paramount Pictures/Spyglass Entertainment
3. Jules Verne (author)
(Image in public domain - copyright expired)
I judge a science fiction novel, movie or show just as I would any other work of fiction, by the quality of its presentation, originality of its plot and whether or not it stirs up my emotions. Any philosophical (or scientific) questions addressed may also improve my opinion about the particular science fiction artifact, "Back to the Future" is a science-fiction movie that exhibits these qualities.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting because many sci-fi show/movie directors today use flashy technology and special effects to take the audience's breath away (and their senses too) so that they don't think too critically about the plot and characters. But then, look at Avatar which came out a couple of months ago. I've seen the movie both in 3D and standard picture, and felt that the movie somehow lost some of its brilliance from 3D. Not saying it's a bad film (look out for the Oscars), but the CGI played a greater role in making it so well-received than the actual story.
ReplyDeletePerhaps in the future, Avatar will be regarded as a great piece of cinema, but not so much a great piece of sci-fi.
Science fiction should not only be entertaing, but also be educationing. A good science fiction movie should not attract people only by the fantasy scences, but to make people think deeply. I have watched a lot of science fiction movies, but only a few impress me. For example, the old Japanese movie "Miyazaki's Spirited Away" really impressed me when I wathed it because it hides the meaning of life.
ReplyDeleteOk so this might seem a little shallow but honestly good science fiction to me is just a good story. Its a plus if it also make me think but honestly, I can watch a cheesy scifi film anyday as long as im not bored so the main thing for me would be entertaining. Everything else is just a plus because if its not entertaining, I'm not going to pay attention
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Carleigh...it has to be a story that catches my attention, with developed characters as well as a whole world in the background to be explored or contemplated on. I guess that could be considered anything but I believe that in order for it to be considered good science fiction I have to have a good cast for tv show or movie, a good background of characters in a book, basically I have to be able to make my own assumptions to what someone is going to do in a show or book or movie and then they may surprise me with a character change or I may be right...overall anything that has a good story is where its at.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I didn't expect most of you would judge science fiction mostly by the story. I mean, come to think of it, I've lost count of the number of times sci-fi show/movie directors have tried (and failed mostly) to blow me away with technology and flying cars and stuff.
ReplyDeleteI just remembered a great movie I watched: Children of Men, in which the director does not deliberately showcase the futuristic settings to the audience... it's almost as if the film was made in the future. You wouldn't expect a modern film to keep harping on about smartphones, would you? Of course, with futuristic sci-fi novels and shows, it is kind of hard to resist the urge, and many would argue that to showcase the future is the whole point of such films.
I always feel like sci-fi is judged by different standards than regular fiction.