1. The document summarizes major sci-fi films from the 1950s through the 2000s, focusing on the main themes and reasons for popularity for each decade. 2. In the 1950s, films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers explored themes of conformity and communism through unique visual storytelling without showing the alien, while The War of the Worlds and The Day the World Stood Still provided intelligent commentary on human flaws through adaptations and distinct aliens. 3. The 1980s saw breakthroughs like E.T. combining funny and devastating storytelling with revolutionary visual effects, and Aliens starring Sigourney Weaver. The 1990s featured The Matrix bringing philosophy and iconic gunfight styles, Jurassic Park pioneering

1. 1. Summarise and give examples of each decade's main themes/storylines.
2. For each decade, summarise reasons given as to why so many of the top ten films
were popular among audiences.
3. For each decade, which films were thought to offer audiences something new and/or
take the genre of Sc-Fi to a different level. Remember to give examples.
1950’s:
Invasion of the body snatchers
 Unique setting and revolutionary in that the film never shows what the
alien looks like, giving it suspense
 It’s allegory on the dangers of communism and conformity
The war of the world
 Adaption of a classic book
 Distinctive aliens
 The sound is timeless
The day the world stood still
 Aliens are the doom, but a voice of reason
 Has intelligent commentary on humans greatest flaws
 Set the bar in sci-fi films being intelligent and thought provoking
1980’s
E.T
 Funny and devastating
 Revolutionary in visual effects and storytelling
Aliens
 Stars Hollywood’s greatest heroine
 Refreshing
1990’s
Matrix
 Creative ideas, philosophy and style
 Iconic for bring gun special effects for the first time on screen
 Great impact on how action movies are shot
Jurassic park
 First film to use CGI mixed with practical effects
 Holdup to today’s standards
 Likeable characters and iconic jump scares
Terminator 2
 Also the greatest action film
 Great characters and set up
2000’s
Avatar
 Highest grossing film ever
 Awe inspiring world
 Played a huge part in popular culture

2. The eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
 Unique set up about a man who chooses to erase the memory of his ex-
girlfriend
 Most original film
 Best mix of romance with sci-fi
Children of men
 Most realist view of the future world
 Makes the viewer believe the film could become a reality