The role of the hero

1. The role of the hero SCIENCE FICTION ALIEN INVASION FILMS

2. DEVELOPMENTS: HERO FIGURE • A significant development in the science fiction genre can be shown through changes in the narrative and in particular the role of the hero. • Most science fiction films have a predictable narrative. The majority of alien invasion films revolve around the invasion of the earth by an unknown enemy which is eventually defeated by the hero figure. Depending on the social context of the film and the era in which it was made the identity of this hero often changes. Usually this reflects social concerns or political influences. • Along with the hero the role of the alien also transforms over time. Generally the alien invaders are symbolic of whatever threat society is facing at that point in time.

3. WAR OF THE WORLDS 1953 Dr Clayton Forrester Or God! Dr. Clayton Forrester, a world renowned physicist helps the U.S government to develop a scientific solution however the aliens suddenly begin to die as they lack immunity to Earth's viruses and bacteria. The hero in this case is actually God. “All that men could do had failed…and humanity was saved by the littlest things, which God, in His wisdom, had put upon this Earth.”

4. INDEPENDENCE DAY 1996 The role of the hero moves from God to the President of the United States of America. This is largely due to the fact that at this point in time many people in America had lost faith in the President and US government. Civilians were also dissatisfied with Americas role in a number of world conflicts. Portraying President Whitmore as a world hero in ‘Independence Day’ was in a way, a method of restoring this faith in the real US President. Also during the 1990’s came birth of the internet. With this technological development came a fear of technology but also arrogance as to mans potential or power to control his environment. The shift in the hero role reflects this arrogance and reflects the diminishing reliance or faith in God to solve the problems of the ordinary man. Humanity begins to lack belief in God and sees humanity as its own saviour.

5. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL 2008 Dr Helen Bensen – Princeton professor. The hero figure has developed from a male to female character. Dr. Bensen throughout the film has to convince Klaatu that humanity is worth saving. This reflects the changing social environment in which equal rights for women have become a major focus. Women are now considered independent and just as capable as men. The “damsel in distress” housewife stereotype is no longer adequate. This is a vast change from the 1953 War of the Worlds in which Sylvia Van Buren is portrayed as a vulnerable, weak woman who has to be protected from the Martian invaders by Dr Forrester.

6. AVATAR 2009 Jake Sully Grace Augustine The hero figure, like in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a female scientist. A second hero figure is Jake Sully – an “everyman” figure. This is reflecting a movement away from reliance on world leaders and commenting that it is the responsibility of all people to save the earth and protect the environment.

7. IMPLICATIONS: • The significance of this development particularly for the audienceis that science fiction films can always be seen as vehicles for social commentary providing relevant messages and warnings about the world around us. Science fiction is an evolving genre of film which is able to influence the thoughts and actions of the audience in regards to the issue or ideas being conveyed. Therefore the narrative of a science fiction film can be seen as an extremely powerful tool and mode of expression.

8. The role of the alien

9. THE ROLE OF THE ALIEN • Many Science Fiction films reflect the fears or concerns of the period in which they were produced. This can most easily be seen in the development of the role of the alien. • Alien invaders are frequently fictional representations of actual military or political threats on Earth at time in which the film was made. Aliens adopt the qualities and attributes of these threats. • In recent years an interesting development is that the major threat to the Earth is no longer aliens but humanity itself. We are the most dangerous threat present both to our own environment and our species.

10. WAR OF THE WORLDS 1953 Invaders are an aggressive alien species from Mars. They are intent on destroying all that lives on earth. Aliens have glowing red eyes. They are described as killing “anything that moves” The aliens are representative of Americas Cold War fears of Soviet invasion and radioactive fallout with the alien aircraft firing red lasers symbolic of communism and the USSR. (RED = USSR) They are a threat that comes from afar and then sets out to destroy the rest of the world – This reflects America’s fear of the spread of communism and the threat developments in technology might pose to the U.S

11. WAR OF THE WORLDS 2005 The aliens do not attack from space and are referred to as “tripods” rather than Martians. Instead a lightning storm delivers the aliens into ships already buried deep in the ground. This narrative reflects the post 911 fear of terrorist sleeper cells and hidden enemies. The threat is not one that is distanced in anyway – what scared most people in society was that anyone could be a threat. The enemy was already present and unable to be identified – they could strike anywhere at anytime. Dialogue also reinforces this idea with Rachel constantly asking her father if the attackers are “terrorists”

12. The day the earth stood still 2008 Aliens have now taken on human form. Their intention is not to invade and take over the earth but to save it from mankind. Humans have become destructive – killing themselves and their environment. Klaatu appears human and benign. All aggression comes from humans – in fact they shoot him as he attempts to shake hands with Scientist Dr. Helen Bensen. This narrative is reflective of current issues in society where global warming and concerns for the future of our world are of heavy importance. In particular the impact of humanity on our environment and the bleak future we are creating for ourselves.

13. AVATAR 2009 Avatar is set in the year 2154, when humans are mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on Pandora. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi— a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. In this film the alien invaders are actually the humans. The reason for this development is to convey to viewers a warning about the way humans treat other species/cultures. A current world concern is the way many developed countries often feel entitled to inhabit another countries with no concern for the indigenous cultures and the impact on the environment. Often the reason for invasion is to exploit their natural resources. Avatar is a thinly guised comment on America’s presence in Iraq which many feel is purely to gain control of their oil reserves.

14. IMPLICATIONS • Just like the role of the hero the development of the alien in science-fiction film is hugely significant. Films are an effective means of conveying important messages and commentary about what is happening in our society in a safe and accessible medium. • The major implication of the development of the aliens role in these films is that audiences are able to be exposed to important ideas and threats in our society. Many films ask audiences subconsciously to be aware of these threats to our world and to consider what can be done.