Abstract
The history of colonialism and colonial discourse constitutes a profoundly influential historical framework for the science fiction genre, from early literary works to contemporary cinema. The majority of science fiction stories inherently possess a colonial narrative, whether comprehended by the audience or not. This study aims to highlight the trauma experienced by imperialists during the decolonization process and its affect on post-World War II films, a period marked by the emergence of postcolonial theory. Drawing from the assumption that colonial policies are reproduced and reinforced in 1970s sci-fi films, Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979) and its sequels will be ideologically analyzed in accordance with the perspectives of authors such as Said, Fanon, and Memmi. The analysis of representations in the films will specifically address the justification of galactic colonization, the rationalization of the massacre of the colonized, and the monsterization of the 'other.'
TopA Journey Into The Depths Of Science Fiction
The narrative of science fiction, transitioning to cinema through literary adaptations, is first encountered in the modern sense in the 19th century’s literature. The term “scientific romance” which closely parallels “science fiction” was first introduced by Scottish poet William Wilson in response to Robert Hunt's The Poetry of Science, in his work A Little Earnest Book Upon a Great Old Subject (1851) (Stableford, 2006, p.462), but this pioneering term did not attract much attention in that era.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Imperialism: A policy or practice by which a country extends its political and economical power and influence through colonization.
Orientalism: A concept and framework for understanding how Western culture has historically viewed and depicted Eastern societies.
Representation: The way in which people, ideas, and events are portrayed in various forms of media and art.
Colonialism: Practice of a powerful country taking control over a another by occupying it with settlers, and exploiting its resources.
Postcolonial Theory: Intellectual discourse that analyzes the cultural legacy of colonialism and imperialism.
Ideological Analysis: The study of texts, media, or cultural practices to uncover the underlying beliefs and values they convey.
Science Fiction Film: A movie genre that incorporates speculative, futuristic, or imaginative elements based on scientific discoveries, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.
The Alien Series: A franchise of science fiction horror films that began with the 1979 film “Alien,” directed by Ridley Scott.