Genre Research Blog Activity

Science Fiction

It is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but possible worlds, they use ideas like futuristic technology, space travel, time travel, alternate dimensions, or extraterrestrial life. Common themes may involve potential impacts on humanity and society from scientific discovery, the nature of humanity, and the moral implications raised by such understandings in technology.  Settings will often range from dystopian futures to outer space, including advanced technologies, robots and usually some commentary on current trends that face human society. Science fiction films often use sophisticated special effects, CGI, and set designs to create a believable environment that is otherworldly. Camera work is dynamic, with editing to enhance the sense of realism. Quite often, sound design is implemented, with futuristic sounds and scores worked into the film for a complete immersive experience. Science fiction productions are marketed through Teasers and Trailers, Extensive range of merchandise creation, including toys, collectibles, and video games, that expands the universe of the film. Successful sci-fi films often lead to sequels, spin-offs, and related media as well as Significant presence at genre-specific festivals like Comic-Con that celebrate sci-fi culture. 

"Blade Runner" by Ridley Scott epitomizes the sci-fi genre with its dystopian future where advanced bio-engineered beings called replicants blur the boundaries of humanity. The movie is a real visual spectacle; the noir feel is amplified by visual effects that facilitate existential themes on identity and humanness. It also uses ambient soundscapes with a haunting score to enhance the atmosphere, while the narrative itself raises moral questions about technology and society.  

Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" is a narrative intermixing of scientific and emotional elements. Various graphics with details on space travel and time dilation, with correct scientific background, keep on amazing and at times inspiring viewers. Camera work involves a range from IMAX cameras to practical effects for the black hole. The emotional underpinning, being the survival of humanity and bonds of love, cores it further up into the realms of the genre to appeal to both a sci-fi-based audience and a general one.

Other science fiction movies: 

1. The Matrix (1999)
   
   
   
2. Arrival (2016) 
   
   
   
3. Ex Machina (2014)
   
   
   
4. Gravity (2013) 
   
   
   
   
   
5. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) 
   
   
   
6. District 9 (2009) 
   
   
   

TELL ME LIES

Representation

Tell me lies is a Hulu original series based on the famous book series by Carola Lovering. It is centered around a group of college students, and it explores young love, abuse, deception and more intense topics like rape, manipulation and violence.  In the show, we see Lucy, who is played by Grace Van Patten, evolve from a naive young lady who is vulnerable and suspectable to manipulation to a woman who tries to demand more from herself and her partners, though she usually falls short and becomes the less empowered women we remember due to abuse. The portrayal of lucy offers a relatable perspective on self-worth and the effect of manipulation, it guides young women away from this type of relationship and empowers them to seek something different. 

Stephen, played by Jackson White, embodies toxic masculinity through the ways he manipulates others. Charming in the early stages, he reveals the string of emotional games that harm Lucy in the process. It was a critique toward societal norms that shape harmful behaviors among young men and urged viewers to question what love and emotional manipulation really mean. Stephen's character became a cautionary tale of the risks of substituting control for connection.

The shows array of other complex characters reflecting real-life experiences opens the audiences to a less ignorant understanding of the world. For example, Bree, who spent her childhood in foster care, was vulnerable and she chose to enter into a damaging relationship with an authority figure. This storyline represents a real-life situation and shows the younger generation how destructive this type of relationship can be this was done by showing the reality and not romanticizing the relationship.

All in all, Tell Me Lies offers a stimulating discussion of representation through the these characters and many more. Treading self-discovery and the aftermath of toxic dynamics, the on-screen series calls upon its viewers to be reflective about their respective experiences regarding relationships. Its sensitive narrative brings into view the complexities faced by young adults but, at the same time, invites viewers to reflect on the importance of authenticity and healthy relationships in one's life.

Can You Hear That?

Sound

In class I was introduced to the art of Foley: adding everyday objects to create real, valid sound effects that enhance a story. The assigned videos and our lecture illustrated various techniques of foley: how these sounds can mimic real-world activity, from footsteps down to rustling leaves, adding a great deal of depth and immersion to any scene. Once I learned how important the layering of these sounds is to enhance the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the telling, I came to appreciate their contribution, making the project assigned very intriguing.

To start the project, our teacher assigned us partners. Me and my partner started going over some scene ideas for the project, and we eventually decided on a bar/club, listing some key sounds that would feature in the scene, like music and drinks pouring. We made an in-depth document listing the sounds we wanted to use to organize these sounds and make sure we missed no elements. Then, we took our recordings and layered them within a digital audio workstation, including original Foley sounds I made; one being opening my garage door, as well as putting ice into a glass, pouring eater into a glass and opening ad closing a car door. Although it did indeed captured the liveliness of the club, in other projects, I would work more on making our sound layers clear to bring out the maximum effect.

We used this sound database Freesound

Check out our project!! https://youtu.be/o5A1IMj60_o