I’ve got to say, I don’t buy the argument that science fiction (or the western, even) is dead. Are there a lot of terrible, mediocre, or derivative films out there? Of course. But when hasn’t there been? When in the history of human culture has Sturgeon’s Law not applied? There’s a lot of terrific, original work out there, too.
And, despite all the things they both do terrifically well, I don’t think I’d call either “2001” or “Blade Runner” perfect by any stretch.
I don’t believe sci-fi films are dead either. But I do agree with Scott’s sentiment, that the majority of science fiction films do not explore ideas in the way that literary science fiction does. Instead, films resort to Alien re-hashes and Star Wars battle scenes. 2001 and Blade Runner were mostly about ideas, which is where the heart of sci-fi lies.
As for the “imperfection” of 2001 and Blade Runner, I would go so far as to say they are the two best SF films ever made. As all human creations, there are flaws, but as works of art they are on my top-list.
2 Comments
Fred August 31, 2007 - 12:17
I’ve got to say, I don’t buy the argument that science fiction (or the western, even) is dead. Are there a lot of terrible, mediocre, or derivative films out there? Of course. But when hasn’t there been? When in the history of human culture has Sturgeon’s Law not applied? There’s a lot of terrific, original work out there, too.
And, despite all the things they both do terrifically well, I don’t think I’d call either “2001” or “Blade Runner” perfect by any stretch.
Matthew Kressel August 31, 2007 - 12:37
I don’t believe sci-fi films are dead either. But I do agree with Scott’s sentiment, that the majority of science fiction films do not explore ideas in the way that literary science fiction does. Instead, films resort to Alien re-hashes and Star Wars battle scenes. 2001 and Blade Runner were mostly about ideas, which is where the heart of sci-fi lies.
As for the “imperfection” of 2001 and Blade Runner, I would go so far as to say they are the two best SF films ever made. As all human creations, there are flaws, but as works of art they are on my top-list.