Science Fiction Film

by J. P. Telotte

Overview

This study examines one of the most enduring and popular genres of Hollywood cinema, suggesting how the science fiction film reflects attitudes toward science, technology, and reason as they have evolved in American culture over the course of the 20th century. Telotte provides a survey of criticism and an overview of the history of the genre, from its earliest literary manifestations to the present. He offers in-depth readings of three key films;Robocop, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and THX 1138, each of which typifies a particular form of science fiction fantasy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521596473
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/24/2001
Series:	Genres in American Cinema
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.91(w) x 8.82(h) x 0.91(d)
Lexile:	1820L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: the world of the science fiction film; 2. Science fiction film: the critical context; 3. A trajectory of American science fiction; 4. The science fiction film as fantastic text: THX 1138; 5. The science fiction film as marvelous text: Close Encounters of the Third Kind; 6. The science fiction film as uncanny text: Robocop; 7. Crossing genre boundaries/bound by fantasy: The Fly; 8. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"...a solid scholarly overview of the genre and its overlapping narratives." Utopian Studies

"Telotte suggests how the science-fiction film reflects attitudes toward science, technology, and reason as they evolved over the course of the 20th century.... Telotte offers a historical overview that anchors his reasoned critical conclusions.... Valuable in any college or university library." Choice

From the Publisher