Sci Fi Movies

Snow Dog wrote: I wouldn't really consider Star Wars films SF even though I enjoy them.

Whut? In what way is Star Wars NOT sci-fi?

I think that science fiction specifically refers to fiction that has science as a theme. Authors like Arthur C. Clarke (physics) and Philip K. Dick (psychology), for example. Star Wars is just an action film set in space, where's the science? Star Trek, on the other hand, is definitely science fiction.

Bladerunner has at its heart a philosophical question (as many of PKD's books do), namely, what is it that makes us human? How human-like does an android have to become before it becomes human instead of a machine? Also, the film is dripping with juicy symbolism.

Falx wrote: I think that science fiction specifically refers to fiction that has science as a theme. Authors like Arthur C. Clarke (physics) and Philip K. Dick (psychology), for example. Star Wars is just an action film set in space, where's the science? Star Trek, on the other hand, is definitely science fiction.

I'd say that is a valid but narrow definition. Star Wars heavily features potential future technologies (spaceships, light sabers, etc) and speculates on the possibility of alien life. It might not be an exploration of heavyweight concepts like time travel or alternate realities but that doesn't make it any less of a science fiction film, IMO. I can't believe I'm sticking up for Star Wars. I hate those movies.

Trouserpress wrote: Falx wrote: I think that science fiction specifically refers to fiction that has science as a theme. Authors like Arthur C. Clarke (physics) and Philip K. Dick (psychology), for example. Star Wars is just an action film set in space, where's the science? Star Trek, on the other hand, is definitely science fiction. I'd say that is a valid but narrow definition. Star Wars heavily features potential future technologies (spaceships, light sabers, etc) and speculates on the possibility of alien life. It might not be an exploration of heavyweight concepts like time travel or alternate realities but that doesn't make it any less of a science fiction film, IMO. I can't believe I'm sticking up for Star Wars. I hate those movies.

From the list, 2001. I like the Predator movies, especially the second one, almost all the Star Treks. Hitchiker's is great. I pretty much like all Sci-fi.

Leaving a sci fi comedy, H2G2, out of the poll was a grave omission, even though the movie version isn't well regarded.  Otherwise a varied selection set from heavy on the action to heavy on the science.  I find it rather amusing that some here who like 2001 find Bladerunner boring.  And where the hell are our air/space jets and orbiting hotels and Pan-Am for that matter?  It's 2010 already for crying out loud! 

Edited by Slartibartfast - September 08 2010 at 06:58

aapatsos wrote: Dune for me

I'd definitely agree with you if the poll was for written sci-fi. Strangely enough, I'm going through all of them again now, including the prequels/sequels written by Herbert jnr & Anderson (I can feel another poll coming on!). Currently half way through Heretics, and still, after many years, really enjoying the series and finding new things out.

The film by David Lynch, though, was a real let down for me, utterly convoluted and basically a space opera which left out all of the important philosophical, religious, and political stuff at the heart of the original novels.

I thought the Sci Fi Channel efforts were far superior.

I've yet to see a good Dune film/series and am surprised that an epic type trilogy ( big Bucks) has not been reconsidered/undertaken.Even up to God Emperor.

Actually have seen it more times than I can count. But never agin on acid. When we had these repitiore theatres here in Montréal just before the Jupiter sequence everyone would be lighting up joints, dropping acid and whatever their drug of preference was. The theatre was smokier than a bar.

Chris S wrote: I've yet to see a good Dune film/series and am surprised that an epic type trilogy ( big Bucks) has not been reconsidered/undertaken.Even up to God Emperor.

Absolutely. There is talk of a new film, though, isn't there?

I would love to see the epic type you mention, and especially God Emperor, which is my favourite of the sequence, and probably my favourite book of all time. Leto II was just an awesome character.