Additional piece:
Exploring the Political Significance of Science Fiction Cinema in the 1970s
Introduction:
The 1970s marked a significant period for science fiction cinema, with many movies of the era addressing political issues and serving as a reflection of the times. From environmental concerns to the threat of artificial intelligence and nuclear war, these films captured the anxieties and hopes of the decade. Let’s dive deeper into the political significance of science fiction cinema in the 1970s and how it continues to influence future filmmakers.
The Relevance of 1970s Sci-Fi Movies:
Host David Barr Kirtley points out the continued relevance of many 1970s sci-fi movies, highlighting their portrayal of issues such as pandemics, artificial intelligence, ecological collapse, youth culture, and nuclear war. These films were able to hone in on topics that would remain important for decades to come. It is remarkable to see how accurately they predicted the future and tackled these pressing issues.
Impact on Future Filmmakers:
Science fiction author Matthew Kressel discusses how sci-fi movies from the 1970s inspired future filmmakers to create their own unique narratives. For example, the movie “Quiet Operation” influenced the popular television series “Red Dwarf,” and “Colossus: The Forbin Project” served as inspiration for the film “War Games.” This highlights the enduring influence of these films on the science fiction genre and their ability to shape creative minds.
Criticisms and Challenges:
However, not all science fiction movies from the 1970s have stood the test of time as entertaining stories. Television writer Andrea Kail expresses her disappointment in movies like “Quiet Operation” and “Under the Planet of the Apes,” finding them slow and preachy. She believes that it is possible to make a message-driven film that is also interesting and engaging. This raises the challenge of striking a balance between delivering a meaningful message and creating an enjoyable movie experience.
The Andromeda Strain: A Childhood Fascination:
Humor writer Tom Gerencer recounts his fascination with the movie “The Andromeda Strain” during his childhood. The film’s accurate portrayal of science and its captivating concept left a lasting impression on him. This anecdote highlights the impact that science fiction movies can have on young viewers, inspiring their imagination and shaping their interests.
Colossus: The Forbin Project and Artificial Intelligence:
David Barr Kirtley shares his admiration for the movie “Colossus: The Forbin Project” and its portrayal of the unforgiving nature of artificial intelligence. The film depicts the downfall of a confident and competent protagonist, showcasing the potential dangers of advanced technology. This cautionary tale resonates with the ongoing debates surrounding artificial intelligence today.
Lessons for Contemporary Science Fiction Storytelling:
Matthew Kressel discusses the evolution of science fiction storytelling and the need for subtlety when delivering messages. He believes that modern viewers are more discerning and prefer nuanced narratives that allow them to draw their own conclusions. While cautionary tales have been part of the genre for decades, there is a need for fresh approaches that both provoke thought and entertain.
Conclusion:
The 1970s was a politically charged decade for science fiction cinema, tackling important issues and offering a glimpse into the future. Despite some movies falling short in terms of entertainment value, the impact and relevance of these films cannot be denied. They have inspired future filmmakers and continue to shape the science fiction genre. As the world grapples with new challenges, science fiction cinema remains a powerful medium for exploring our hopes, fears, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Summary:
The 1970s were a transformative period for science fiction cinema, with movies addressing political issues and capturing the spirit of the times. These films tackled topics like environmental concerns, artificial intelligence, and nuclear war, making them remarkably relevant even today. They served as a source of inspiration for future filmmakers and continue to shape the science fiction genre. While some 1970s science fiction movies may not hold up as entertaining stories today, their impact and significance cannot be overlooked. Through their storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, these films have left a lasting legacy on the genre.
Get more from WIRED:
Visit the WIRED website for more thought-provoking articles and engaging content on science, technology, and culture. Keep exploring the fascinating world of science fiction and discover the ideas and stories that continue to shape our collective imagination. Whether you’re an avid fan or new to the genre, WIRED has something to offer for everyone seeking to delve deeper into the intersection of science and imagination.
References:
– Logans Run (1976)
– Silent Running (1972)
– Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
– The Andromeda Strain (1971)
– Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970)
– The Deer Hunter (1978)
– Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)
– Red Dwarf (1988-1999, 2009-2020)
– War Games (1983)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WIRED.
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The 1970s were one of the most political decades for science fiction cinema. humor writer tom gerencer grew up watching movies like Logan’s career, quiet operationand under the planet of the apesall of which contain clear political messages.
“We were watching industrialization do what it continues to do now, getting worse and worse, and back then there were a lot of voices saying, ‘No, we’ve got to stop this,’ and with good reason,” Gerencer says on Episode. 543 of the Geek Guide to the Galaxy podcast.
Geek Guide to the Galaxy host David Barr Kirtley was struck by the continued relevance of many 1970s sci-fi movies, whether it be the idea of a deadly new virus in The Andromeda Strain or the threat of artificial intelligence in Colossus: The Forbin Project. “If you look at some of the issues that they’re dealing with (pandemics, AI, ecological collapse, youth culture, nuclear war), I would have to say that they did a pretty good job of honing in on some of the issues that were going to be important in the decades to come,” he says.
Unfortunately, many examples of science fiction from the 1970s don’t hold up as entertaining stories today. television writer andrea cail find movies like quiet operation and under the planet of the apes be slow and preachy. “I don’t think any of these really hit the sweet spot between ‘here’s a message’ and ‘here’s a good movie that tells us that,’” he says. “You can make a message movie and it can be interesting. They don’t do that.”
science fiction author matthew kressel I enjoyed seeing how sci-fi movies from the ’70s inspired future filmmakers, like quiet operation influencing red dwarf either Colossus: The Forbin Project influencing War games. “One of the best things was seeing how future directors came in and took parts of these and made them their own,” he says. “You could see how a good director and storyteller can take any premise and make it great.”
Listen to the full interview with Tom Gerencer, Andrea Kail and Matthew Kressel on episode 543 of Geek Guide to the Galaxy (above). And check out some highlights from the discussion below.
andrea kail in quiet operation:
There are three writers in it. One of them is Michael Cimino, who wrote The deer Hunterand Deric Washburn, who wrote The deer Hunter with the. Michael Cimino won multiple Academy Awards for many movies. And then the third writer is Stephen Bochco, from Hill Street Sadness fame, one of the biggest television producers of the 80s, of hit shows. This is the amateur outing of three of the greatest writers of the ’80s, and it’s shocking how terrible it is. Cimino won I don’t know how many Academy Awards, Steven Bochco ruled ’80s TV. It’s shocking.
Tom Gerencer in The Andromeda Strain:
A friend of mine that I grew up with said, “Hey, you know that movie Divulgation? The book was written by this guy. Michael Crichtonwho also wrote The Andromeda Strain.” And I was like, “Holy cow,” because we both really love each other. The Andromeda Strain. We saw the movie and we were blown away. For an eight year old, the science was spot on and the movie was great. The whole concept of the key, and having to climb this ladder, go to different levels and try to get to one of the stations where you could turn the key was fascinating. We used to act that out all the time, climbing trees. “Duck!” This movie really impressed me as a kid.
David Barr Kirtley in Colossus: The Forbin Project:
I really liked at first how Forbin is so confident and confident and competent and everyone looks up to him and he always knows exactly what to do. Then you see him fall apart over the course of the movie until at the end he’s just a broken person, and I thought the way the movie portrayed him was really well done. …Every time Colossus was doing something, he thought he was so creepy. I had a feeling of doom throughout the entire movie. I thought he really captured the unforgiving, unforgiving nature of artificial intelligence.
Matthew Kressel on cautionary tales:
I don’t know if it’s just my personal experience, I might be generalizing, but I feel like viewers today are much more picky about what they see. I don’t think you can get away with these kinds of messages hitting you over the head. I think you have to be more subtle with your messages and let the viewer come to their own conclusions about what these things mean. I have lost my faith in science fiction as a cautionary tale. We’ve had half a century or more of these cautionary tales, and we’re still heading headlong into the apocalypse. But they certainly make you think, and maybe scare you a bit and entertain you.
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