Over at Rhetorical Imprints, Derek talked about teaching a class that explores the way science fiction and fantasy have addressed important social issues. I think this is an excellent choice. In my mind, one of the defining characteristics of "real" science fiction has always been that it provides a lens through which to look at important social issues, especially those dealing with technology. While modern sci-fi and fantasy cinema may not have this goal in mind, they still provide occasional thought-provoking moments.
Derek listed several movies and their relevant issues, then asked for additional suggestions. Here are mine:
X-Men, X2: X-Men United
Marvel Comics' X-titles have always been an allegory for racism (except in the 90s, when the X-titles were about Wolverine's bad temper and superheroines drawn to look like Dolly Parton in zero gravity). These two films carry the issue of race over to the screen quite well. There are other issues of being different from what is accepted in society as well. For example, the "Have you tried not being a mutant?" line from X2 is a clear reference to sexuality.
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Matilda
Both movies feature exceptional children who are abused and/or neglected by their parents or guardians. What obligations do parents have toward their children? To what degree are children responsible for obeying parents who don't love and take care of them? When does the state become responsible for removing children from abusive situations? And what kind of a difference can a single role model (a teacher, for example) make in the life of a child?
Hercules
Most of the recent Disney animated films can be viewed as morality plays in miniature, in my humble opinion. This one serves as a mirror for fame in popular culture. How does our society define heroism? At what point does a person go from being merely famous (or notorious) to being truly heroic?
The Incredibles
I can see at least two issues addressed by this movie. First, what balance exists between the push for equality and the drive for individual excellence? (Dash: "Dad always said our powers were nothing to be ashamed of. Our powers made us special." Helen: "Everyone's special, Dash." Dash: "That's just another way of saying no one is.") Second, what is (or should be) the role of the family in today's society? What is the balance between devotion to family, personal development, and professional success?
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek tends to get a little preachy sometimes, and this movie is certainly the preachiest. But it raises important issues about humanity and the ecosystem. What obligations does humanity have towards other forms of life on Earth? And how can economic concerns and ecological concerns be balanced?
Bicentennial Man, Artificial Intelligence: AI
The book "I, Robot" raised important questions about the relationship between Man and machine. Most of the reviews I read indicated that these were left out of the film. If "I, Robot" had been more like these two movies, I may have bothered to see it. Okay, enough ranting, on to the questions. As computers become increasingly complex, at what point do they begin taking on organic features? What is the difference between computation and sentience?
The Running Man
I've even got a prospective title for a paper on this one: "Reality Television and the Culture of Voyeurism". If you've watched any reality TV lately, I think you'll agree that we're not all that far away....
Okay, that's what I've got. Comments?
3 comments:
Excellent suggestions, Mikey! X-men and The Incredibles are "musts". I'll probably show an episode of Star Trek rather than a movie--I want to incorporate television and film. Any thoughts on a particularly poignant episode? Using "The Running Man" is an excellent way of addressing reality TV, too.
Jason the Spambot, you've been Terminated.
I can think of two ST:TNG episodes right off. First, there's "The Measure of a Man", where Data goes on trial to determine if he is alive and self-aware, and consequently, if he has rights. That's always been one of the most poignant and moving episodes to me.
Second, there's the episode (tite unknown) where Riker gets injured during a First Contact mission and is discovered to be an alien. To me, this episode addresses the issue of technological advancement versus societal advancement. Is it possible for science and learning to progress so fast that society can't keep up with it? And what should individuals and leaders do if that happens?
There's also an episode from the first season of B5 that involves a young boy who gets ill or injured (I don't remember which). The doctor can save his life with a simple operation, but the parents forbit it because of their religious beliefs. He goes ahead and does it anyway, and the repercussions are rather surprising-and painful. You might want to check that one out.
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