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Sci-fi, Aversion to Alien invasion stories?

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XFilesGeek
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11 Sep 2010, 5:10 pm

Titangeek wrote:
just had a thought, why is it that most science fiction movies that aren't about alien invasion are horror movies (Pandorum being the most resent)?


Disclaimer: I'm not so much of a sci-fi geek as I am a sci-fi/fantasy/horror geek, so my opinions are dilluted.

My guess would be that "sci-fi" as a genre isn't taken very seriously. Niether is horror. Sure, we can point to "Star Trek" or "Star Wars," but even the most popular sci-fi among folks who aren't really sci-fi fans is regarded as pretty geeky when that fascination is too intense ("Trekkies" for example). Sci-fi lends itself to "special effects" and massive explosions, and when combined with the usual disrespect shown for the genre, it leads to silly movies. Horror often obtains a similiar level of "silly" for almost the same reasons. And when you combine sci-fi and horror, you can attract fans of both.

Stupid movie going masses can be most easily titilated in the following ways: blood, gore, sex, explosions.

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Titangeek
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11 Sep 2010, 5:33 pm

XFilesGeek wrote:
Titangeek wrote:
just had a thought, why is it that most science fiction movies that aren't about alien invasion are horror movies (Pandorum being the most resent)?


Disclaimer: I'm not so much of a sci-fi geek as I am a sci-fi/fantasy/horror geek, so my opinions are dilluted.

My guess would be that "sci-fi" as a genre isn't taken very seriously. Niether is horror. Sure, we can point to "Star Trek" or "Star Wars," but even the most popular sci-fi among folks who aren't really sci-fi fans is regarded as pretty geeky when that fascination is too intense ("Trekkies" for example). Sci-fi lends itself to "special effects" and massive explosions, and when combined with the usual disrespect shown for the genre, it leads to silly movies. Horror often obtains a similiar level of "silly" for almost the same reasons. And when you combine sci-fi and horror, you can attract fans of both.

Stupid movie going masses can be most easily titilated in the following ways: blood, gore, sex, explosions.

--XFG




Unfortunately i think you are right


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naturalplastic
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14 Sep 2010, 11:18 pm

I think youve got things backwards.
The public doesnt want its mind challenged.
It wants action.

"Alien" wasnt science fiction, it was an action/monster movie with a space/sci fi setting.

Thats why it was popular.

In contrast Arthur C. Clark's "Randevou with Rama" novel was a reviting tale of suspence to some readers like me. But I dont think hollywood would invest in putting it on the big screen because the aliens never even appear (much less devour people with eye popping special effects).



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21 Sep 2010, 9:49 pm

Titangeek wrote:
just had a thought, why is it that most science fiction movies that aren't about alien invasion are horror movies (Pandorum being the most resent)?

To my great discontent. I like science-fiction, but I can't stand horror movies. (Too scary :pale: )


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Titangeek
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21 Sep 2010, 9:55 pm

Tollorin wrote:
Titangeek wrote:
just had a thought, why is it that most science fiction movies that aren't about alien invasion are horror movies (Pandorum being the most resent)?

To my great discontent. I like science-fiction, but I can't stand horror movies. (Too scary :pale: )


I don't like most horror movies but i did like the Alien movies and Pitch Black


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