November 5 2007

Here's a copy of an article that I wrote for Gather as a science fiction writer and fan. I'd like your feedback on whether you agree or disagree with my arguments and why you do.

George

Why Hollywood Hates Science Fiction

These days, you're about as likely to find good science fiction movies coming out of Hollywood studios as you are to find liberals in The Republican Party. Before you all set your phasers to "kill", let me explain.

First, I'll define what I mean by a "science fiction movie" because the term seems to mean different things to different people. For the purposes of this article, a science fiction film is one that deals with the impact on society (or on a few individuals) of a scientific discovery, a technological change or a major world event, such as a nuclear war or climate change. I realize that some people will find that definition to be too narrow, but it will do as a start.

By that yardstick, movies like Star Wars, Spiderman or X Men may be very entertaining fantasies with eye popping special effects, but they're not science fiction films. Even many alien invasion stories won't make the cut unless the aliens found us because of some technological change. So, 2001 A Space Odyssey and Contact would qualify, but Predator probably would not.

Of course, there are exceptions. It's true that Hollywood has produced some fine science fiction movies, but they've been rare. The original Alien was produced in 1978. Blade Runner came out in 1982. Minority Report was released a few years ago. Apart from those three good Hollywood SF films, it's hard to think of many more that had quality. So, why does Hollywood dislike and avoid science fiction? Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Science fiction movies are expensive to produce because of the elaborate special effects needed. This used to be the favorite excuse. Now that gazillions of dllars have been spent on eye candy for fantasy films like Lord Of the Rings, that canard is harder to sell.

2. Science fiction movies are too intellectual. By definition, science fiction deals with ideas, sometimes complex or disturbing ideas. It's much easier to make movies that feature lots of explosions and simplistic good versus evil plot lines. Hollywood movie makers would prefer to leave you drooling into your popcorn and not thinking too much.

3. Science fiction movies often have subversive themes. If you were an executive with a rich conservative film corporation that touts "family values", would you favor producing movies that might question religion, capitalism or conventional morality? Is the Pope a muslim?

4. Science fiction movies don't follow the Hollywood formula. People who like the conventional "boy meets girl, good triumphs over evil and everyone lives happily ever after" plots of mainstream films will stay away from science fiction films in droves. The endings of SF movies are not always grim, but the ideas explored are almost always surprising and unconventional. Hollywood studios don't want to risk upsetting or annoying ticket buyers by messing with a movie recipe that has worked so well for them in the past.

So there you have it. Next time you want to see a good science fiction movie, look for an indie production. Maybe a film from Europe or Asia. Expecting good science fiction from Hollywood is like walking into a branch of McDonald's expecting a gourmet meal.

Have I been fair in my critique of Hollywood movies? Let's have your opinions.

George J. Condon

For information about my books, go to: http://www.checkmatefiction.com