Science Fiction

"Science Fiction is both entertaining and thought provoking and appeals to a broad audience."

The science fiction genre is entertaining and holds appeal to a broad audience because it provides thought provoking ideas about the future. These ideas predict future events and give a warning or caution to our world which is thought provoking. Both “The Island” directed by Michael Bay and “Marionettes Inc” written by Ray Bradbury not only entertain and appeal to responders but both share a similar warning about our future. They warn responders of the dangers of using scientific technology to clone humans and how cloning will dehumanise society.

Michael Bay’s film is entertaining because it opens with a futuristic setting where we are introduced to the protagonist Lincoln Six Echo who lives in a sterile and programmed environment represented by the de- saturated colours of grey and white. The inhabitants wear identical uniforms, white for the citizens, black for their supervisors. This foreshadows the innocence of the inhabitants and the villainy of the supervisors. Big-screen TVs broadcast slogans and instructions, and about twice a day everybody gathers before them for the Lottery. This sealed world, its citizens believe, has been created to protect them from pollution that has poisoned the Earth. This sci fi opening creates suspense which entertains responders and along with Lincoln we question "Why is Tuesday night always tofu night?" Why can't I have bacon? Why is everything white?" This sci fi film borrows from the thriller genre and this is introduced when we meet Merrick, the compound’s doctor, who is first introduced using a low angle shot in dark lighting. This intrigues responders and foreshadows that he will be the antagonist. His greed and corruption entertains audiences because he sees himself as God “it’s called a God complex.” The film loses its integrity as sci fi once Lincoln discovers the truth and leaves the compound. Here, Bay turns it into an...