Science Fiction Films
Science Fiction is one of my favourite genres because it pushes the boundaries of what is possible when telling stories.
Its no secret that when I began writing Earthly Bodies, I thought it was a sci-fi. It was only later when an editor said it was ecohorror.
Many of the following films influenced my writing back then, and still do now to some degree.
(Image from a Black Hole installation I went to)
My favourite sci-fi films, without spoilers, are;
- Interstellar bowled me over when I first saw it. The theories behind it, the dystopian life of on Earth and the journey into space. It’s all made so believable by Christopher Nolan. Everything about this film is brilliant, the soundtrack, the special effects the sets and props- watch it!
- Inception, yes another Christopher Nolan film. Set in a somewhat more real world, with the element of dreams and sleep playing a key part in the plot. A magical ensemble piece of filmmaking.
- Alien & Aliens, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched these two. The first leans to the horror side of sci-fi and the sequel is really a war film in a sci-fi world. I love Ellen Ripley and the arc her character travels through, when in doubt just ask yourself; What would Ripley do?
- Bladerunner, another I’ve watched countless times and will continue to do so. The mood, the lighting, the dialogue, the rain. Also, I didn’t think I was going to like the recent sequel but I did, so worth a watch also.
- Star Wars, the original three obviously.
- Arrival is a film the slowly creeps up on you, in the best way. A beautiful look at relationships and time, through the lens of sci-fi.
- Planet of the Apes, the original 1968 one of course. That ending still gets me every single time.
- Guardians of the Galaxy, actually not the only comedy sci-fi on the list, it’s just so watchable and relatable.
- The Thing, the Kurt Russell version. I love the tension in this film, another I’ve watched loads.
- The Martian, Matt Damon stuck on Mars. It doesn’t seem that far-fetched whilst watching it, and it has some brilliant comedy in it.
- District 9, this is such a clever and funny film. A comment on racism and any other type of segregation.
- Predator, classic survival/monster theme. I still remember the very first time I watched it, completely hooked.
- Ex Machina, gosh I love this so much. The setup, the acting, the location, the brilliant special effects really help this film come alive. Such an interesting look at artificial intelligence.
- Annihilation, last but most certainly not least. This is a 90% female cast, in a future that doesn’t feel that far fetched. What happens is so thoroughly imaginative, it’s brilliant to see films that make the viewer really think.
For more creative influences on Earthly Bodies, including novels, films and TV shows, check out this quick video.
This post first appeared in November 2018 on a previous version of this website.