DYSTOPIAN SCIENCE FICTION FILMS
GENRE: EXAM FEEDBACK
WHAT CAN WE IMPROVE ON?
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Structure
Introductions: describing the purpose of the genre and defining
dystopian film.
Using the key words of the question and paragraph statements.
Describing in depth the THEME of the film.
Including specific filmic evidence which shows the theme
Describing in depth HOW the theme was a result of real life concerns
and WHY themes develop over time.
Describing in depth the SFX used in the film
Including specific filmic evidence which demonstrates the SFX used
Describing in depth HOW the SFX shows a development from previous
films and WHY the development occurred.
Explaining implications rather than listing details
Incorporating sophisticated class notes and director quotations
Improving expression and vocabulary choice
STRUCTURE:
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Introduction: Describe and define the genre
Describe theme in Gattaca
Describe theme developments in Minority Report
Describe theme developments in Surrogates
Explain implications of thematic developments
Describe SFX in Blade Runner
Describe SFX development in Gattaca
Describe SFX development in Minority Report
Explain implications of SFX developments
INTRODUCTION:
genre studied
year isofdystopian
science fiction film.
A Provide
thethis
scope
your essay…
Dystopian films are set in the future and contain societies
very
State
the
genre day
andbutsubgenre
similar
to present
with subtle differences. Usually
the dystopia appears to be beneficial in some regard to the
 Define what a dystopian society is
human race but in reality it is oppressive and controlling of its
Thethe
society
is fundamentally
flawed with only one
citizens.
Explain
purpose
of the genre
elite group benefitting from the misery to which the rest of the
society
Stateis the
developments
will discuss
subject.
Dystopian films which
also tendyou
to reflect
an
aspect of the society in which they were made and the
concerns of that era. Dystopian science fiction films are often
used as a vehicle for social commentary and as such are an
extremely powerful mode of expression. These films also
include impressive special effects which have improved
dramatically over time due to technological developments.
BODY PARAGRAPH: THEME
A significant
State the
themes
which
appear
in sub
each
development
in the science
fiction
genre with the
genre film
of
dystopian films can be shown through the aspect of theme. For example the 1997
film ‘Gattaca’ directed by Andrew Niccol contains important themes such as a desire
for physical perfection and fear of liberal eugenics. Liberal eugenics is the deliberate
selection of the genetic makeup of children. This can be seen in the film through the
character of Vincent Freeman. Vincent lives in a society where it has become
commonplace for parents to genetically create their children, omitting undesirable
qualities. This has resulted in the creation of a genetically superior race known as
“valids”. Vincent is an “invalid” and as such cannot become an astronaut. His
natural conception has left him with a shortened lifespan and impaired vision – he
has to wear glasses. This film reflects the concerns of the era in which it was made
because at this point in time there had been rapid advancements in IVF technology
and cloning. People were concerned that IVF and cloning would reduce biodiversity
and create a genetic aristocracy. Clearly ‘Gattaca’ and the experiences of Vincent
Freemen reflect societal fears of IVF and cloning. It could also reflect society’s
preoccupation with beauty and perfection as during the 1990’s plastic surgery was
also becoming increasingly popular , especially in America.
Provide a specific example from the film which
shows this theme.
Explain how this theme reflected the concerns
of the era in which it was made.
IMPLICATIONS PARAGRAPH: THEME
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The significance of this thematic development
particularly for the audience is that science fiction films
can always be seen as vehicles for social commentary
providing relevant messages and warnings about the
world around us.
An implication of thematic development is that due to
dystopian science fiction being an evolving genre of film,
it is able to influence the thoughts and actions of the
audience in regards to the issue or ideas being
conveyed. Therefore the dystopian film can be seen as
an extremely powerful tool and mode of expression.
BODY PARAGRAPH SFX:
A State
special
effects
used in dystopian film is
second the
aspect
which has
been developed
in special effects. The use of special effects can clearly be
seen in the 1982 film ‘Bladerunner’ directed by Ridley Scott.
Most
Provide
a specific
thecreated
film which
of the special
effectsexample
used in thisfrom
film were
through
thethese
use of man-made
models. For example, the Los
shows
special effects
Angeles skyline and the Tyrell corporation building. Explosions
were created and then filmed using “in-camera” effects. Lights
in the Los Angeles skyline were created through the use of
 Explain how / why the special effects were
fibre-optics. The police vehicles or hovercrafts were also
used.byHow
have
the special
effectsTheused
created
filming
man-made
life size models.
special
effects
used infrom
this film
were
and
changed
film
to considered
film and revolutionary
why.
innovative at the time in which it was made. Although for
modern audiences they seem unrealistic and unimpressive.
IMPLICATIONS PARAGRAPH: SFX
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As shown special effects technology is an aspect of the
science-fiction genre which is constantly evolving . This is
largely due to the demand from audiences for increasingly
impressive special effects and the invention of new technology.
Implications of these developments include high audience
expectations and a need for realism. The audience must
believe what they see on screen is possible and a type of
reality in order to engage.
Another implication of this development on the genre is that
filmmakers will strive to develop progressively innovative
cutting-edge technology. Films become increasingly realistic
and other genres benefit as a result.
Impressive new special effects also attracts high audience
numbers and therefore results in higher profits – which we all
know is the major incentive behind the production of any film.