Learning Objectives

1. Learning Objectives • To introduce the Science Fiction ‘sub genre’ of the Dystopian Future film.

2. RECAP • Play keyword game with mini whiteboards.

3. Sci - Fi The Dystopian Future sub-genre.

4. Future World Films • Dystopia or utopia? • Dystopia – a pessimistic, nightmarish vision of the future • Utopia – a fantasy ideal, a perfect society.

5. Dystopian Futures ?????? • This sub –genre of Sci-Fi is perhaps the most popular. • Dystopian future films exploits the continual fascination audiences have with the future. • However for the most part these films present a future world in a nightmarish and often‘apocalyptic manner. • Dystopian films pose a hypothesis, a ‘what if’?

6. A Future World. • Starter Task 1:attach a film(s) to the following themes • Survival after an apocalyptic event. • Technological progress – that will eventually be a threat to mankind/society.

7. Future World Films For the most part these films present a DYSTOPIAN future world, a nightmarish and often' apocalyptic’ vision. Why? • Often dystopian films ‘prophesise’ about the future based on what is currently happening in society or globally. • This is known as…… • ………reflecting the zeitgeist. • Think: can you name any dystopian Sci-Fi films that reflect a contemporary issue?

8. In the year 2040… • Discuss your future world. • In groups you will be given an aspect of the future to discuss with an accompanying article. • What is the news story about? • How might earth have changed by the year 2040? (Technological/Medical, The Environment, Society). • Task 2: Write a brief film synopsis based on the article on a future idea. Feedback.

9. Future World Comparison • Task 3: Watch extracts from the James Cameron’s film ‘The Terminator’ and Steven Spielberg’s ‘Minority Report’–make notes on what future world ideas are being expressed.

10. ‘The Terminator': At the time in the mid 80’s- there was a seen to be a genuine threat from the ‘computer age, computers were able to manufacture products, run database systems and computers were able to start wars! • ‘Minority Report’: a film that prophesises crime and the impact of knowing when a violent crime is being committed before it happens. The end of murder! It could be argued that these films reflect the ‘CCTV culture most cities live in, the idea of being constantly monitored, under surveillance.

11. To Review Key concepts : • Sub Genre • Dystopia • Apocalyptic • Ideological theme • Zeitgeist • Prophecy • Anarchy/breakdown of society • To finish: write a detailed paragraph – how does ‘Children of Men’s’ view of the future differ from ‘Minority Report’. 5 mins

12. Case Study film: ‘Children of Men’ • Case Study: ‘Children of Men’ • ‘Children of Men’ (2006), directed by Alfonso Cuaron, is set in the near future of 2027. • The film’s main hypothesise is that for an unexplained reason in the future women have become infertile and can no longer reproduce. • As with many dystopian films, ‘Children of Men’ is apocalyptic, predicting a future of war, fear and paranoia.

13. Comparative and analysis of US film case studies • Aim : to explore the similarities and differences between the two case study films ‘ Children of Men and ’Soylent Green’

14. Characterisation and representation • What are the similarities and differences? The lead characters-Thorn and Theo • Both feature quite negative, pessimistic lead characters. • Anti heroes, not typical heroes. • Slovenly, unkempt etc. • The wise old helpers- Sol and Jasper • Both have wise old ‘sages’. • Experienced they reminisce about the past. • Both sacrifice their lives for the future of the world. • Representation of the city/nation • Both films represent cities, as post apocalyptic, • They are derelict, dirty, chaotic and overcrowded. • Women in Soylent are represented as ‘furniture’, high class prostitutes. In Children’ they are the future saviours of earth.

15. Narrative- similarities and differences • Consider the following: • How do the plot’s differ? • What is the plot exposition and when does the actual plot start? • How are the narratives structured?( linearity etc) • Which characters drive the narrative? • What can we say about the way both films end?

16. Technical aspects • Consider the similarities and differences: • Iconography/mise-en-scene- sets, costume, props, lighting. • Cinematography- angles, movements, shot types • Editing – techniques, pace, effects etc. • Sound- diegetic sound including dialogue, music.

17. Ideological Themes- similarities and differences • Dystopian films are ‘ideas films’ that play on our fascination with the future, particularly a nightmare vision of the future! • What are some of the ideas in these films? • Both deal with survival of the species.. • Both deal with exploitation of the masses by big business/governments • Children….’ deals with Patriotism, racial segregation and war. • ‘Soylent…. deals with mankind’s greed and scientific discovery going to far. • Both set in near future. Reflect zeitgeists? • Which messages/ideas are covert and which are overt? • Are their any covert message in the film with religious or political subtexts?

18. Quick practice task • Write the intro to this question in preparation for next week? • Compare the ways in which ideological themes are represented in your chosen US films.