Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Aliens R Us" explores the global culture of science fiction, and in particular its presentation of contemporary images of the Other. Taking as a starting point the popularity of international forms such as Japanese Manga and Hong Kong sci-fi, in addition to the success of Canadian and European films such as "Crash" and "The Fifth Element", the contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis. In doing so they discuss issues such as Orientalism, technology, apocalyptic futures, xenophobia, immigration, militarism, and the role of women. Most contemporary studies look at the generic characteristics of science fiction, with its allegorical rendering of contemporary life, usually in relation to America. This book moves beyond a purely generic study, assessing European and Asian film work, discussing their varying representations of the Other, and what this reveals about popular perceptions of global culture and society. Case studies include "Independence Day", and "Until the End of the World" in addition to chapters on "Eco-Apocalypse" and new French sci-fi, and New Manchester Ecstasy sci-fi.
SYNOPSIS
"Aliens R Us" explores the global culture of science fiction, and in particular its presentation of contemporary images of the Other. Taking as a starting point the popularity of international forms such as Japanese Manga and Hong Kong sci-fi, in addition to the success of Canadian and European films such as "Crash" and "The Fifth Element", the contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis. In doing so they discuss issues such as Orientalism, technology, apocalyptic futures, xenophobia, immigration, militarism, and the role of women.Most contemporary studies look at the generic characteristics of science fiction, with its allegorical rendering of contemporary life, usually in relation to America. This book moves beyond a purely generic study, assessing European and Asian film work, discussing their varying representations of the Other, and what this reveals about popular perceptions of global culture and society. Case studies include "Independence Day", and "Until the End of the World" in addition to chapters on "Eco-Apocalypse" and new French sci-fi, and New Manchester Ecstasy sci-fi.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Sardar (postcolonial studies, City U., UK) and Cubitt (screen and media, U. of Waikato, New Zealand) present nine pieces of cultural criticism that explore the meanings projected and assimilated by science fiction movies and television in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong. Concerned with the construction of the "other" in the broadest philosophical sense (comprising political, cultural, ethnic, and gendered "others", as well as the "other" of the natural world), the essays explore meaning in , , Japanimation, , , and , among others. Distributed by Stylus. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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