sci fi conventions

1. Conventions of Sci-Fi
Arcane, No.6
Conventions of Sci-Fi

2. • Innovative technology.
• Alternative creatures.
• Fictional worlds/ specific setting.
• Hard social-sciences themes.
• Advanced scientific knowledge.
• Props reflecting the advanced setting.
• Elements of magic/supernatural.
• Cyberpunk: Sci-fi stories that juxtapose advanced technology with less advanced, broken-
down society. AND Steampunk: Sci-fi stories that blend technology with steam-powered
machinery.
• Utopian fiction: Sci-fi stories about civilizations the authors deem to be perfect, ideal
societies. Utopian fiction is often satirical. VS Dystopian fiction: Sci-fi stories about
societies the authors deem to be problematic for things like government rules, poverty, or
oppression.
• Complex story and themes/ideas.
• Nuanced detail exploring themes and commentary (e.g. society beneath the surface).
Overall conventions
of sci-fi (notes).

3. -The mixing of futuristic tech and wastelands resembling desert-like location. (No. 6, one of six cities built
upon the remains of a desolate Earth ravaged by nuclear warfare and overconsumption of natural
resources.)
-Realistic, gloomy world based on a possible future of Dystopia or Utopia -the districts=Utopias
(everything seemingly perfect, with purpose. No poverty. Barely any crime rate because of the
reinforcement of rules and because of the restricting society...) the outside=Dystopia (extreme poverty,
yearly/monthly extermination because of overpopulation, crime rate is high...). Dichotomy of themes like
liberation at the cost of misery and poverty, and entrapment at the cost of dependence and mindless-
survival.
-The overall story has undertones of societal critiques (poverty=West block slums), adding a feel of realism
even in such a futuristic setting.
-Use of unnatural/extraordinary creatures (Nezumi's monitor-mechanical mice, parasitic wasps...).
-The innovative technology and advanced science/research shown in the districts fits with the sci-fi theme.
-Ideas of 'idyllic society' actually being closer to Hell- bizarre parasitic epidemic caused by said society.
(Includes political revolution in the matter, ethnic cleansing, elimination of human rights and freedom,
reprehensible scientific experimentation, extreme wealth inequality, and state-controlled propaganda.)
-Theme of technology vs nature and humanity vs mother earth.
-Political revolutions to restore freedoms and right previously stripped from the brainwashed, ignorant
people.
No. 6 (examples of conventions used for this sci-fi):

4. Overall conventions:
• Camera:
Panning, Bird's eye view- bigger picture, establishing wide shot, high angle shots and low
angle shots- unusual aura + discomfort, extreme close-up- intense discomfort...
• Sound:
Soundtrack should be reflecting the mood- eerie-> tense violins and a crescendo of
instruments, exaggerated diegetic sounds... (the piece could also forebode an upcoming
tension in the next scene), odd or unexpected transitions for a weird/out-of-expectancy
reaction, sporadic time signatures, often includes synthesizers...
• Mise en scene:
Common use of visual iconography, non-conventional and unrealistic props, supernatural
effects, mystical/ interesting location, captivatingly interesting props, intricate detail to
create meaning with object choice...
• Editing:
Fast cuts- frantic and tense mood, dichotomy of vibrant colours and dull colours- dramatic
sense of detachment from realism... iconography...