Astore: The American Military in Contemporary Science Fiction Film
There is a very interesting article over at The Nation online titled “Can You Spot the American Military in Your Favorite Sci-Fi Film?” by William Astore. The author bring his experience a retired Air Force officer and lifelong science fiction fan to his analysis, and discusses his changing perceptions of the military over the years […]
Life Imitates Art: Island of Lost Souls and Animal-Human Embryos
I recently came across two items that made me give new attention to Island of Lost Souls (1932). The first was a commentary on the film that involved John Landis, Rick Baker, and Bob Burns. Their discussion makes for an interesting take on a neglected classic horror film. The second was a series of news […]
CFP – From Infinity to the Abyss: Gods and Monsters in Science Fiction Film
CALL FOR PAPERS An area of multiple panels for the 2016 Film & History Conference: Gods and Heretics: Figures of Power and Subversion in Film and Television October 26-October 30, 2016 The Milwaukee Hilton Milwaukee, WI (USA) DEADLINE for abstracts: June 1, 2016 AREA: From Infinity to the Abyss: Gods and Monsters in Science Fiction […]
Lecture on horror and religion at University of the Pacific
Next Wednesday, November 11, I will present a guest lecture at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. I was invited by Professor Alan Lenzi to present on “Religion and Transcendence in Horror and Science Fiction.” My presentation will involve a PowerPoint that incorporates film clips and commentary, not only on Abrahamic religions, but also […]
Call for Papers: Reframing Science Fiction
Call for Papers – Reframing Science Fiction: A One Day Conference on the Art of Science Fiction 21 March 2016 Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU Keynote speakers: Dr Jeannette Baxter (Anglia Ruskin University) and Dr Paul March-Russell (University of Kent) From William Blake and John Martin to Glenn Brown and The Otolith […]
Titles of Interest: Science Fiction Theology
James McGrath recently drew attention to this volume on his blog. Science Fiction Theology: Beauty and the Transformation of the Sublime (Baylor University Press, 2015) by Alan Gregory Science fiction imagines a universe teeming with life and thrilling possibility, but also hidden and hideous dangers. Christian theology, often a polemical target for science fiction, reflects […]
Behind the scenes of AMC’s HUMAN
AMC is launching a new series that explores robotics and artificial intelligence. It is called HUMANS. This behind the scenes trailer provides some background, and it looks as if it will contribute to the growing collection of science fiction addressing this important topic.
Titles of Interest – Religion in Science Fiction: The Evolution of an Idea and the Extinction of a Genre
Religion in Science Fiction: The Evolution of an Idea and the Extinction of a Genre by Steven Hrotic (Bloomsbury Academic, 2014) Religion in Science Fiction investigates the history of the representations of religion in science fiction literature. Space travel, futuristic societies, and non-human cultures are traditional themes in science fiction. Speculating on the societal impacts […]
Titles of Interest – Holy Sci-Fi! Where Science Fiction and Religion Intersect
Holy Sci-Fi! Where Science Fiction and Religion Intersect by Paul J. Nahin (Springer, 2014) Can a computer have a soul? Are religion and science mutually exclusive? Is there really such a thing as free will? If you could time travel to visit Jesus, would you (and should you)? For hundreds of years, philosophers, scientists, and science fiction writers […]
Ex Machina
As reported by ScreenCrush.com: ‘Ex Machina’ is the directorial debut of Alex Garland, the talented screenwriter of ’28 Days Later,’ ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘Dredd.’ With a resume like that, we can’t think of anyone better suited to helming a small and (seemingly) smart science-fiction drama like this. Color us intrigued. Here’s the […]
