Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745315399 ISBN 13: 9780745315393

Publisher: Pluto Press, 2002

Synopsis

Aliens R Us explores the global culture of science fiction cinema, and in particular its presentation of contemporary images of the Other. Taking as a starting point the popularity of international forms such as Japanese Manga and Hong Kong sci-fi, in addition to the success of films such as The Matrix and television series such as Deep Space Nine, the contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis. In doing so, they discuss issues such as Orientalism, technology, apocalyptic futures, xenophobia, militarism and the role of women. Most contemporary studies look at the generic characteristics of science fiction,with its allegorical rendering of contemporary life, usually in relation to America. This book moves beyond a purely generic study, assessing European and Asian film work, discussing their varying representations of the Other, and what this reveals about popular perceptions of global culture and society. Case studies include Independence Day, Star Trek: First Contact and Until the End of the World, in addition to chapters on Eco-Apocalypse and new French sci-fi and New Manchester Ecstasy sci-fi.

About this title

About the Authors

Ziauddin Sardar is a London-based scholar, award-winning writer, cultural critic and intellectual specialising in Muslim thought, futures studies and science and cultural relations. He is the author of How Do You Know?: Reading Ziauddin Sardar on Islam, Science and Cultural Relations (Pluto, 2006), Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema (Pluto, 2002) and Postmodernism and the Other (Pluto, 1997).

Sean Cubitt is Professor of Film and Television and Joint Head of the Media and Communication Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is on the editorial boards of a number of journals including Screen, Cultural Politics, Animation and International Journal of Cultural Politics. He is the co-editor of Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema (Pluto, 2002).

Edition details

• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745315399
• ISBN 13: 9780745315393
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192
• Editor: Sardar Ziauddin