When talking about genres, be specific: even within Science Fiction there are sub-genres.
- Alien invasion
- Mutation
- Experimental science
- Dystopia
- Space/time travel
Science Fiction key conventions
- Film Techniques: Special effects
- Film Techniques: Close Ups of futuristic technologies/ scientific elements.
- Setting - Time: The future, an alternative timeline, or an historical past that contradicts historical records.
- Setting - Place: Outer space, other worlds, or alternative versions of earth.
- Narrative Elements: The development and/or application of: a) new technology (e.g. nanotechnology, robots, spaceships) b) new scientific principles (e.g. time-travel) c)new political systems (e.g. dystopian/utopian societies)
- Narrative Elements: Conflict between good and evil.
- Symbolism: Futuristic props, costume and setting that represent the scientific advancement at the centre of the film.
Blog task: Textual Analysis
Find three film or TV trailers from the sci-fi genre on YouTube and embed them in a new blog post called ‘Textual Analysis: Science Fiction’.
Below EACH clip, write a textual analysis using the three headings we have learned today: Genre, Key Conventions and Target Audience.
Example: Monsters (2010)
Genre
Monsters (2010) fits into both the alien invasion and mutation sub-genres of the sci-fi genre. The narrative of a crashed NASA space probe could possibly suggest space travel but this doesn't end up featuring in the trailer or film. However, the idea of space exploration and alien life is a major aspect of the storyline.
Key conventions
There are a huge number of sci-fi key conventions present in the trailer. The opening shots show the destruction that hints at the alien invasion and mutation narrative. The flicking text and choice of font for the text on screen ("Six years ago") also suggests this belongs in the sci-fi genre. The later text on screen referring to a "NASA space probe" reinforces these initial impressions. The shot from within the car of the sign saying 'Warning: Infected Zone' then introduces the idea of mutations and scientific experimentation - two key sci-fi sub-genres. Following these key opening shots, fast-paced editing shows glimpses of the creatures that have mutated as well as further evidence of destruction.
Target audience
The target audience is quite difficult to judge. The trailer states the film has been given the R rating in the USA (meaning only those over 17 years old can watch it). However, according to the film website IMDB Monsters was given a 12A rating in the UK which would definitely open it up to a teenage audience. The film features two main characters, male and female, as well as the suggestion of a romantic relationship between them. It could be argued this would appeal to 60% male, 40% female audience with an age range of 14-35. The fact Monsters is a little known, low-budget indie film might also mean this film would be watched by a more educated or middle-class audience.
Monsters (2010) fits into both the alien invasion and mutation sub-genres of the sci-fi genre. The narrative of a crashed NASA space probe could possibly suggest space travel but this doesn't end up featuring in the trailer or film. However, the idea of space exploration and alien life is a major aspect of the storyline.
Key conventions
There are a huge number of sci-fi key conventions present in the trailer. The opening shots show the destruction that hints at the alien invasion and mutation narrative. The flicking text and choice of font for the text on screen ("Six years ago") also suggests this belongs in the sci-fi genre. The later text on screen referring to a "NASA space probe" reinforces these initial impressions. The shot from within the car of the sign saying 'Warning: Infected Zone' then introduces the idea of mutations and scientific experimentation - two key sci-fi sub-genres. Following these key opening shots, fast-paced editing shows glimpses of the creatures that have mutated as well as further evidence of destruction.
Target audience
The target audience is quite difficult to judge. The trailer states the film has been given the R rating in the USA (meaning only those over 17 years old can watch it). However, according to the film website IMDB Monsters was given a 12A rating in the UK which would definitely open it up to a teenage audience. The film features two main characters, male and female, as well as the suggestion of a romantic relationship between them. It could be argued this would appeal to 60% male, 40% female audience with an age range of 14-35. The fact Monsters is a little known, low-budget indie film might also mean this film would be watched by a more educated or middle-class audience.
If you don't complete all THREE trailer analyses in the lesson you must finish this for homework - due next Tuesday.
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