Feature Image Credit: WallHere.
Ever since I was but a lad, the fantasy and science fiction genres have formed a special, and impregnable place in my heart. Throughout the 00s, I grew up on the epic space battles of Star Wars — both old and new — as well the high fantasy thrills of The Chronicles of Narnia. Nostalgia is a drug that is difficult to neglect, which would go some way to explaining why my love for these genres remains strong.
Furthermore, it may surprise some of you to learn that there are a great many similarities between the two genres. Of course, they are both at the peak of their powers when found in the form of the written word. I am sure that Scott Gilmore of SG Fiction, with whom I am collaborating to bring you this article, would agree with me that one need only read the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip K. Dick to unearth evidence of this.
However, while the talented Mr. Gilmore will be exploring the space-based adventures of the page and how they translate to the big screen, it will be my mission to compare and contrast the codes and conventions of fantasy and science fiction on screens of both the big and small variety.
So, with that in mind, I encourage all authorised personnel to hop on board as we explore the seemingly infinite expanse of similarities between the films of fantasy, and science, fiction.
Spirituality, Knights, and Mythology. Oh My!
When one analyses on-screen fantasy fiction, they begin to notice a broad spectrum of generic conventions. For instance, many of them include rather dense mythologies and spiritual themes. In The Lord of the Rings, they frequently speak of storied events from the history of Middle-Earth, such as the first war against Sauron and his army.
Furthermore, when Aslan the Lion is resurrected from death in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s Easter resurrection is intentionally harkened back to, given the christian beliefs of original author: C.S. Lewis.
Additionally, as most fantasy tales are set against the backdrop of the Middle Ages, they feature many of the character archetypes we are familiar with from this period in history. This includes knights, lords and ladies, as well as various royal figures. Due to this, politics plays a major role in the narratives of fantasy fiction among the likes of Game of Thrones, which sees myriad familial factions vying for political dominance by way of claiming the much coveted Iron Throne.
Of course, the genre in question would not be worthy of its title were it not for the more “fantastical” elements it wears so proudly on its sleeve. This can include demonic beasts such as the Balrog that threatens the Fellowship of the Ring, and the nine realms of Norse mythology, which have been adapted in such film franchises as the Thor trilogy.
With these conventions, cinema goers are treated to worlds that reflect our own in some ways, allowing us to relate to the plight of our favourite characters, but are also distant enough from what we are used to in our daily lives to provide us with a sufficient quantity of escapism.
Electric Dreams of Distant Planets
As you may well imagine, given the subject of this article, the cinematic offerings of science fiction also contain a plethora of “fantastical” elements. However, the differences come from the more modern take on these elements that derive naturally from setting these stories in the distant future, rather than the distant past.
Consequently, this setting allows for themes such as the paranoia humans experience over evolving technology, such as the desire in Blade Runner to heavily police replicants — androids that mirror humans in almost every way — to prevent them from rising against their organic creators.
Androids, however, are not the only form of life that differ from humans in fictitious worlds of science. Franchises akin to Star Wars feature an expansive roster of distinct alien races that include shaggy Wookies and fluffy Ewoks. Each of these races inhabit their own planets not unlike those that James T. Kirk and his Enterprise crew traverse between at light speed in Star Trek.
However, if a phaser that can only switch between two alternate firing functions is not sufficient to satisfy you, then surely the deadly lightsabers every child that grew up with Star Wars has desired to possess, will fill that void. Of course, why settle for simply upgrading your weaponry when, alternatively, you can upgrade yourself. Netflix Cyberpunk series, Altered Carbon, frequently features mere mortals seeking self-improvement by acquiring what they believe to be superior bodies, known in this universe as Sleeves.
The science fiction genre has endured as a poplar form of entertainment culture for so long because it provides us with a glimpse of fantastical future timelines we would like to see become reality, and others that expand upon our present reality in a more subtle way to generate a future that seems destined to be. Both of these are prospects that will never fail to intrigue, as the future is wonderfully uncertain.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Throughout the following two sections, I will be using the Star Wars franchise and the hit Netflix series, Altered Carbon, to demonstrate the disparate methods both products implement to incorporate fantasy elements into their science fiction stories. Firstly, Star Wars faithfully adapts the codes and conventions of fantasy fiction, while transporting them to a galaxy that is, as the subtitle describes, far, far away.
In mythological tales, especially those told in Scandinavian countries over the centuries, we hear of realms that house different races of people. The Light Elves of Alfheim immediately spring to mind. In Star Wars, these realms take the form of planets like Kashyyyk and Endor, which respectively serve as the homes of the Wookies and Ewokes I mentioned before.
Moreover, the politics in fantasy fiction is lovingly translated to Star Wars‘ futuristic settings also. However, instead of Lords and Ladies, audiences are alternatively presented with Chancellors such as Palpatine, and Senators including the likes of Padme Amidala. Both are more akin to our modern political spectrum.
Though the term “knight” remains unaltered in Star Wars, its knights are blessed with just the right amount of science fiction to entice younger audiences to sample the stories of fantasy. For example, their lightsabers function similarly to swords only with visually-arresting, multi-coloured lasers serving as the blades to create duels that provide spectators with dazzling light shows.
Finally, the lore and mythos of the series is as expansive as anything seen in Tolkien’s Legendarium. For a long while, cinema goers missed out on the details as the films would only speak in hints of Star Wars‘ storied past. However, the most recent films have embraced this element of the series, creating a universe that feels large, historic and, indeed, fantastical.
Wear It On Your Brand New Sleeve
If the Star Wars franchise sets its action against the backdrop of a more fantastical interpretation of the future to encourage children to seek out those fantastical tales of the past, then Altered Carbon alters its technique to allure a more mature audience. What is this technique, I hear you ask? They simply modernise fantasy’s more outlandish conventions to construct a Cyberpunk future that feels as though it could very well be realised in our real life some day.
For example, instead of placing their faith in any kind of spiritual figure, the citizens we encounter throughout both seasons of Altered Carbon place their faith solely in technology. After all, they would not have invented a device that prevents the wearer from truly dying if they believed that kind of power did not belong to them.
While many can argue that force users in Star Wars are essentially wielding a form of magic, given that the force allows them to read minds, influence weak-willed individuals, and practice telekinesis, Altered Carbon does away with this mythical practice.
Indeed, it features characters who possess abilities that are not unlike those of the magical variety, such as being able to move objects without needing to physically manoeuvre them, and practicing the art of possession. However, these are all explained away as spectacular feats of science that include technological human augmentation, and construct programmes free of reality’s limitations.
Given how much technology in our current reality is evolving, this future almost seems tangible. Altered Carbon observes present day affairs closely, and combines them with the science fiction counterparts of fantasy conventions to bring us, the viewer, a vision of the future that we can easily escape to, while simultaneously feeling as though we have escaped to a future timeline we are yet to experience, but inevitably will.
Happily Ever After
In truth, the similarities between these two genres, that are so very close to my heart, are nigh on limitless. However, I can only write so many words. Therefore, I leave you with this thought.
Whether fully embracing them, or suitably weaving them into a product, most science fiction filmmakers cannot avoid the inclusion of fantasy conventions in their work. It is an ancient genre of storytelling that has been passed down since time in memorial. While these two disparate genres deal with time periods on opposite ends of the spectrum, their similarities prove that certain aspects of life may change and evolve with the times, but its fundamentals will ultimately remain the same.
This article serves as the final instalment of a two-part collaboration with Northern Irish author, Scott Gilmore. Check out his inaugural offering in this collaboration below, and be sure to read the remainder of his tremendous work which helps to shine a light on emerging authors, and assist those in need of well-informed advice.
Part One Collaboration Piece: https://www.sgfiction.co.uk/2020/06/03/book-to-movie/?fbclid=IwAR1nDR2VYIUlKhgxjLbDxX7cO6T4KGFKOGQsV-2bC-6l0N6Tb3qr0jK0xWg
Creative Writing Blog: https://www.sgfiction.co.uk/creative-writing-blog/
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