THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE (FICTION)
A question was asked; what is the best Science Fiction film that isn't Star Wars or Star Trek related?
Where to begin with this. The question itself shows a leaning toward franchise cinema, which isn't to say that's a bad thing. I think that The original Star Trek TV series and The Next Generation were hugely enjoyable and tackled some really deep and interesting themes. As for Star Wars, Episodes IV,V and VI are great fun entertainment (as is the underrated Rogue One).
But for me the real meat of Science Fiction Cinema is it's ability to ask questions about what it is to be human, how we subvert science to our own ends and how we are prone, as a species to a God complex that can go awry. With that in mind here are my Top Twenty favourite Science Fiction films within that criteria. there are many films that I could have included, but I've tried to keep it a lean list that reflects what I think Science Fiction is, and of course that will be different for everyone. Let me know your choices in the comments
- Blade Runner (1982) The human condition, identity and the effects of science on man as the creator all combined in a Neo Noir thriller. the Future (now the past) had never looked so perfectly realised.
- Planet Of The Apes (1968) Iconic. there is something about this story that captures he essence of Science fiction as society changing. The Apes world is a masterpiece of design and it has possibly the greatest twist ending in all of cinema.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) This really is a film that tackles all the big themes. It's a masterpiece of abstraction and the design ethic is phenomenal
- Alien (1979) A peerless dark house horror set in space. All these years later it still has the ability to amaze and repel.
- Stalker (1979) A film of creative excellence. Very few films of any genre can match it's depth of purpose
- The Thing (1982) Paranoia, fear and loathing in an intense isolated setting. The tension is palpable
- The Fly (1986) Body Horror at it's finest and most accessible. There is genuine empathy for the transmutating scientist who meddles with nature
- Frankenstein (1934) The Mad Scientist and the Monster. Still a benchmark for pathos, invention and the big questions on screen
- The Terminator (1984) Stripped back time travel thriller that is as inventive as it is action packed. Schwarzenegger's killing machine is an iconic presence
- Under The Skin (2013) An other-wordly creature stalking an other-wordly Glasgow in this mesmerising tale of the ultimate outsider. Stunning
- The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) Christ like Michael Rennie visits us to tell us to get our act together. A paranoid morality play featuring one of the best movie robots.
- Alphaville (1965) Dystopian detection delivered with panache
- Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956) At the time a metaphor for the perceived threat of communism but ever since, a timely reminder of societies vulnerability
- Forbidden Planet (1956) Quintessential fifties Sci Fi in vivid colour with an early electronic score. Marvellous
- Starship Troopers (1997) Space satire on fascism with blistering set pieces and a nod and a wink
- Metropolis (1927) The Original Science fiction film. Full of ideas and images that would last the test of time.Truly original
- Primer (2004) A big idea on a low budget. This is a exemplary example of cut price intelligent film making
- Akira (1998) The future never looked so mesmerising. Cyber punk started here
- The War Of The Worlds (1953) Taking liberties with the source material this George Pal directed film is a perfectly balanced warning about our fragility
- They Live (1988) This prescient film gives us a glimpse at what would be the biggest of all conspiracies, which you could say is actually happening
Comments
Post a Comment
having said that;