(Previous)…..(Content)…..(Next)

……

Jurassic Relaunch via ’90s Science Fiction

Ts

(Romanian)

The year 1993 was rich in remarkable cinematographic productions, which left a lasting mark on film history, confirming that the presence of “Science Fiction” was beginning to be constant and significant.

So, in addition to the remarkable achievements represented by Schindler’s List (directed by Steven Spielberg, a historical film that conquered both the public and the critics, winning seven Oscars, including one for Best Picture) or The Piano (an Australian romantic drama directed by Jane Campion, which brought numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and three Oscars), Philadelphia (a legal drama that addressed the subject of discrimination against people infected with HIV/AIDS), “intervene” …

Jurassic Park, another blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg, participated in the special effects revolution in cinema.

The film, based on the novel by Michael Crichton, introduced us to a theme park with dinosaurs brought to life through cloning (which opens up to disaster when things get out of control), offering us an unforgettable cinematic experience, becoming a true cinematic phenomenon, revolutionizing the film industry through its innovative special effects (it used CGI technology in an unprecedented way for that time, creating photorealistic dinosaurs that seemed to come to life on the screen) and through its captivating story (the plot is well-constructed, with interesting characters and suspenseful moments that keep you on your toes).

Additionally, Jurassic Park had an enormous impact on pop culture, popularizing dinosaurs and awakening public interest in paleontology. The film generated a true obsession with dinosaurs, influencing fashion, toys, and other consumer products.

This effect can also be perceived through the numerous cinematic achievements that followed, like a franchise, represented by The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001), Jurassic World (2015), Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom (2018), not to mention numerous other achievements and presences for the world of science fiction.

From a “technical” point of view, this film can be classified as a “subgenre” of Biopunk (exploring the intersection of biology and technology, often with significant ethical and social implications, in the case of Jurassic Park, the cloning of dinosaurs and genetic manipulation being central elements of the plot, placing the film in the biopunk sphere, the cloning of dinosaurs being a scientific achievement that raises important ethical and social questions, characteristic of the biopunk subgenre), Post-apocalyptic (although not a post-apocalyptic film in the classic sense, Jurassic Park presents a scenario in which the natural balance is disrupted in a catastrophic way, and dinosaurs get out of control, creating a chaotic and dangerous environment, similar to many post-apocalyptic films) and, obviously, it is considered to be a Thriller (the element of suspense and action is very present in Jurassic Park, transforming it into a captivating thriller, in which the characters fight for survival in a hostile environment), and Adventure (like many science fiction films, Jurassic Park is an epic adventure that takes us to an exotic and dangerous world).

Another science fiction film that is well-rated among the cinematic achievements of 1999 is “Demolition Man”, an action film with a good dose of social satire, which managed to capture the public’s imagination through an original combination of elements, such as the contrast between the past and the future (between a violent past and a utopian, but at the same time rigid, future, Sylvester Stallone’s character, a tough cop from the ’90s, “translated” into a futuristic society where violence and vulgar expressions are prohibited).

Demolition Man is not only an action film, but also a satire of contemporary society, through a dystopian future, the film satirizing societal trends such as excessive political correctness, the standardization of culture, and the loss of individuality, and, in a way, accurately anticipated certain trends of modern society, such as the development of information technology and changes in social behavior.

From a “technical” point of view, the film “belongs” to the subgenres Dystopic (the future presented in the film is a dystopian one, an extremely controlled and non-violent society, in stark contrast to the present, a characteristic element of the dystopian subgenre, which explores disastrous future societies; the future presented in the film is a society in which violence is eliminated, but at the cost of the loss of individual freedom, a central theme of the dystopian subgenre), Cyberpunk (with its advanced technology, computer interfaces and futuristic cities, the film has elements specific to cyberpunk, a subgenre that focuses on the impact of technology on society and the individual, often in a negative way; the use of technology in all aspects of life, from communication to food, is characteristic of cyberpunk), and, apart from “science fiction” it “belongs” to Action and adventure (the battles, chases and dangerous missions of Simon Phoenix transform the film into an action thriller, with elements of adventure) and Comedy (despite its serious tone, Demolition Man also includes comedic elements, particularly through the contrast between the ultra-civilized future and Simon Phoenix’s brutal behavior).

In order of “public success” would be the film “Fire in the Sky”, a film that addressed the controversial and fascinating subject of alien encounters, the film is based on a true story, inspired by the experience of Travis Walton, who claimed to have been abducted by aliens in 1975 (adding a touch of authenticity that piqued the public’s interest).

Even in this case, the special effects were quite convincing, managing to create a believable alien atmosphere.

The film “fits” into the subgenres of Science Fiction Horror (explores a man’s encounter with aliens, transforming the experience into a psychological terror, along with abduction sequences and alien experiments that create an atmosphere of horror and mystery, characteristic of this subgenre), New Age (addresses themes related to paranormal experiences, expanded consciousness and the connection to something greater than ourselves, common elements of the New Age movement), without forgetting Based on a True Story…

“Mutant Action” (the “original” name being Acción Mutante) is a science fiction film with black comedy accents, directed by Álex de la Iglesia, this film became a cult classic in Spain and gained certain notoriety internationally.

The film is distinguished by its dark, often absurd, and violent humor, which places it in the tradition of gore cinema and comedies like Monty Python.

It has a strong visual aesthetic, with eccentric characters, extravagant costumes, and practical special effects that create a unique and memorable atmosphere. Under the guise of violent comedy, the film hides a social criticism of Spanish society in the 1990s, satirizing aspects such as consumerism, politics, and the media.

Director Álex de la Iglesia weaves diverse influences into the film, from B-movies of the ’50s and ’60s to underground comics, managing to make “Acción Mutante” a cult classic, being appreciated both for its originality and for its nonconformist approach to the science fiction genre.

Instead of relying on CGI, the film uses practical special effects, which gives it a more “real” and visceral feel.

The genre “credentials” focus us on Dystopic (the future presented in the film is a dystopian one, where society is divided between the beautiful and those considered “mutants”, creating an atmosphere of inequality and social conflict), the rest being outside of “science fiction” through manifestations of Social Satire, Black Comedy, and Body Horror…

“Body Snatchers” is a modern reinterpretation of the classic science fiction horror (The Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1956, reiterated in Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1978, and continued in the Body Snatchers series from 2024), bringing a new perspective on the theme of alien invasion and human identity.

The film creates an atmosphere of constant tension and paranoia, with the characters constantly wondering who is truly human and who is an impostor. Unlike previous versions, which had a larger scope, this adaptation focuses on interpersonal relationships and the impact of the invasion on a small community, such as a military base. It places greater emphasis on the psychological aspect of the invasion, exploring the characters’ fears and insecurities.

Director Abel Ferrara opted for a darker and claustrophobic visual style, emphasizing the feeling of isolation and constant threat. The film explores in depth the theme of identity, questioning what it means to be human and how we can be sure of who those around us are. It brings a fresh perspective on a well-known theme and explores new aspects of the story.

The “technical” classification would be Body Horror (this subgenre is the most obvious, as the film focuses on the physical transformation of humans into alien creatures, the grotesque transformations of the human body, accompanied by a loss of identity, being central elements of this subgenre), Alien Invasion (the main subject of the film is an alien invasion, but a more subtle one than in other SF films, the aliens infiltrating society by imitating humans) and Psychological Thriller.

“The Wicked City” is an action film with elements of thriller and drama, directed by Christopher Cain, which takes us into an underground world of organized crime, corruption, and revenge.

This creates a dense atmosphere, full of suspense and intrigue, the dark cityscape and complex characters contributing to an intense cinematic experience.

The film’s plot is well-constructed, with numerous twists and turns that keep you on your toes, the relationships between the characters are complex and full of nuances, and each one’s motivations are explored in detail (the film benefits from a talented cast, with actors such as Rutger Hauer, Beverly D’Angelo and Bill Paxton, who deliver convincing performances and add depth to the characters), addressing themes such as corruption, revenge, loyalty and the consequences of our actions (the film does not hesitate to present a dark image of society and human nature).

Overall, a film noir aesthetic is perceived, with dramatic lighting, interesting camera angles, and an atmosphere of mystery, presenting a detailed picture of the world of bikers, with their codes of honor and internal conflicts.

We are dealing with a film that “fits” into the Cyberpunk genre (the futuristic city, advanced technology, and conflicts between different social factions are strongly reminiscent of the cyberpunk aesthetic, and the interaction between technology and society, as well as its impact on individuals, are central themes of this subgenre), Fantasy (fantasy elements are present, with mythical creatures, magic, and conflicts between different worlds, the interaction between the human world and that of demons creating an atmosphere of mystery and adventure), and Film noir.

“Lifepod” is a television film that is a reinterpretation of Hitchcock’s classic, “Lifepod”, the story takes place in the distant future, in an escape pod, where a group of survivors of a cosmic catastrophe fight for survival.

Like the original, the film creates an atmosphere of growing tension as the characters fight for limited resources and try to survive in a closed environment, with the true nature of people becoming known, exploring themes such as selfishness, cooperation, and the struggle for power.

The “belonging” is clearly to the Psychological Thriller genre (faced with imminent death and limited resources, each survivor reveals their true nature, and tensions constantly increase, the plot focuses on interpersonal relationships, suspicion, and paranoia, characteristic elements of psychological thrillers) but also to Hard Science Fiction (although there are no exotic technologies or extensive space explorations, the film falls into the hard science fiction subgenre through its realistic approach to an extreme situation and technological consequences). Yes, we are also talking about Drama and Remake.

And there would be other films belonging to the “Science fiction” genre, such as “Philadelphia Experiment II”, Monolith, “Robocop 3” and many others, amid the clear proliferation of video manifestations of science fiction.

A perception that can also be seen in the case of television series with a “specific” “science fiction” theme, where, for the year 1993, “X-Files” clearly stands out (1993–2002 with a mini-revival in 2016 and a final season of 10 episodes in 2018, with a total of 217 45-minute episodes), a television series that revolutionized the science fiction genre (becoming iconic) and captivated millions of viewers throughout nine seasons, combining elements of mystery, horror and the paranormal in an original and captivating way.

Each episode brings a new scary story, related to paranormal phenomena, government conspiracies, and extraterrestrial creatures, and the dark and mysterious atmosphere manages to keep the viewer on edge throughout the viewing.

Fox Mulder (a believer in the paranormal), skeptic Dana Scully, and the monster “The Smoking Man” create a complex and memorable dynamic, one of the most interesting in television history.

Beyond paranormal phenomena, The X-Files addresses deep themes such as loneliness, faith, conspiracies, and the nature of truth, with the series having a significant impact on pop culture, popularizing the term “X-Files” and influencing numerous other productions.

The special effects, well-written scripts, and careful direction make the series age very well, “feeding” a community of passionate fans who continue to analyze and debate the theories presented in the series.

From a “technical” perspective, we are dealing with Science Fiction (the series explores a wide range of paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena, from mutants and government conspiracies to interdimensional entities), to which are added the “delimitations” of other genres, such as Horror, Thriller, Mystery, and Conspiracy Thriller.

“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993–1999, with 173 45-minute episodes) is a true gem in the Star Trek universe, where, unlike its predecessor, The Next Generation, which focused on exploration, DS9 takes us on a darker and more complex adventure.

The action takes place on a space station, Deep Space Nine, located near a portal to another quadrant of the galaxy, a “fixed location” that offers a unique perspective on cosmic events and interactions between distinct species.

The series explores more mature themes, such as war, religion, politics, and morality, with the conflict between the Federation and the Dominion being one of the most memorable in the Star Trek franchise, the series introducing us to a variety of alien cultures, each with their customs, values, and perspectives, offering a more realistic perspective on life in space.

The characters in DS9 are more complex and nuanced than those in other Star Trek series, Benjamin Sisko, a captain who must juggle between his duty to the Federation and his ties to the planet Bajor, is a perfect example, the series has complex narrative arcs that span multiple seasons, providing a sense of continuity and depth.

Undoubtedly talking about a “Science Fiction” series, which can be “distributed” into the subgenres of Military Science Fiction (set near a galactic war, the series explores themes related to strategy, tactics, and armed conflict, the relationship between the Federation and the Dominion being a clear example of this subgenre), Space Western (the frontier atmosphere, with its laws and conflicts between different factions, is reminiscent of classic westerns, the Deep Space Nine station being a kind of frontier town, where various cultures and interests meet), Political Drama (political intrigues, diplomatic negotiations and power games are the order of the day, the relationship between the Federation, the Bajorans and the Cardassians being a perfect example of this subgenre), Religion and Philosophy (the series explores deep themes related to religion, faith and spirituality, especially through the Bajoran character Sisko) and Horror.

“SeaQuest” (1993–1996, with 57 one-hour episodes) was a science fiction television series that attempted to provide a unique alternative to the Star Trek universe, focusing on the exploration of Earth’s ocean depths rather than outer space (SeaQuest DSV and Star Trek have often been compared due to their science fiction elements and approach to space exploration, in the case of Star Trek, or ocean depths, in the case of SeaQuest).

The series explores the idea of ​​a technologically advanced submarine that can reach the deepest points of the ocean and even outer space, aboard SeaQuest, activating scientists, military personnel, and even aliens, which creates an interesting dynamic and a multicultural perspective.

Despite the definite “mask” of “Science Fiction”, we are dealing with Underwater Science Fiction (the action takes place mainly in a futuristic submarine, exploring the depths of the ocean, the series presenting advanced technologies, unknown sea creatures, and the challenges of underwater exploration), but predominantly we are dealing with Space Western, Ecology and Environmental Protection, and Adventure.

“Babylon 5” (1993–1998, 11 45-minute episodes) was considered by many science fiction fans to be one of the most complex and ambitious series in the genre, leaving a lasting mark on current science fiction.

Created by J. Michael Straczynski, this series takes place in the distant future, focusing on the space station Babylon 5 (like the DS9 series), a focal point for various species and political powers in the galaxy (being more than just a location, but a character, influencing events and characters).

The series has a complex story, with narrative arcs that span multiple seasons, exploring themes such as war, politics, religion, and philosophy (one of the most important conflicts in the series is the war against the Shadow, an evil alien race that wants to conquer the galaxy), the characters are deeply developed and have their motivations and internal conflicts (an example being the Minbari, an alien race with strong telepathic abilities, who play a crucial role in the events of the series), the Babylon 5 universe is extremely rich and detailed, with a complex history and a multitude of alien species, each with their own cultures and customs… And many other remarkable qualities…

There would also be the fact that many of the themes addressed in the series, such as the Cold War, religious fundamentalism, and political manipulation, are still relevant in our contemporary world.

Unlike many other abruptly canceled series, Babylon 5 had a planned ending, which allowed the creators to provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.

The subgenres of “belonging” and “Science Fiction” are represented by Space Opera (the series focuses on the Babylon 5 space station, a focal point of political negotiations and conflicts between different alien races, an aspect supported by the exploration of political, social and cultural aspects of life in space), Political Thriller (political intrigues, conspiracies and power games are the order of the day in Babylon 5, the relationships between different governments and factions, as well as the power struggle, being central elements of this subgenre), Hard Science Fiction (it realistically addresses scientific and technological aspects, exploring the consequences of technological development and its impact on society), Philosophy and Religion (themes related to religion, spirituality and the meaning of life are explored in depth, especially through the character Londo Mollari and the Vorloni religion), and, why not, Space Western.

“Time Trax” (1993–1994, 43 one-hour episodes) was a television series that captivated audiences in the early 1990s with its intriguing premise of time travel and tracking down criminals (the idea was innovative for the time and caught the attention of the audience).

The action takes place in a dystopian future, where a police officer, Darien Lambert, is sent back in time with a special mission: to capture dangerous criminals who have escaped into the past using a time machine. Equipped with a futuristic weapon and an onboard computer, he tracks these fugitives through time, trying to bring them back to the future to serve their sentences.

The series fully exploits the concept of time travel, giving viewers the opportunity to visit different historical periods and see how future technology interacts with the past, with each episode bringing a new chase, full of action and suspense, as Darien tracks a new criminal through time.

In addition, I can mention that the series also addresses interesting themes related to the ethics of time travel and the consequences of changing the past, or the special effects, which, for those times, were quite impressive, adding credibility to the time travel stories.

Unfortunately, the series was canceled after just one season, due to low ratings or, according to some critics, some episodes were considered too complex or difficult to follow, which may have discouraged some viewers.

And, from the point of view of the “technical” framing, we are dealing with Time Travel (the central subgenre of the series, which explores the possibilities and consequences of manipulating the timeline, with the characters traveling to the past to capture fugitive criminals, thus creating temporal paradoxes and philosophical questions), Police Procedural (the series has a procedural structure, with each episode presenting a new case to capture a fugitive criminal in the past, the elements of investigation, tracking and solving crimes being characteristic of this subgenre), Western (the atmosphere of certain episodes, with dangerous enemies, wild landscapes and solitary characters, is reminiscent of classic Westerns, often accentuated by the setting in rural or frontier areas of the past) and, in particular, Science Fiction Hard (presents advanced technologies, such as the Trax time machine, and explores the consequences of their use, even if it does not go into excessive technical details, maintaining a realistic tone).

And, with that… Many, many words… However, it would be appropriate to “announce” some elements…

With the passage of time, the presence of “Science Fiction” is increasingly consistent, regardless of whether we observe the line of cinema, television series, video games, or “written materials”.

So, for now, until I can do a little segmentation, in three parts for a calendar year, later in five parts, I will “torment” you with more substantial articles…

Merticaru Dorin Nicolae

(Previous)…..(Content)…..(Next)

……