Screening Space: The American Science Fiction Film

by Vivian Sobchack

Book Overview

This text attempts to shape definitions of the American science fiction film, studying the connection between the films and social preconceptions. It covers many classic films and discusses their import, seeking to rescue the genre from the neglect of film theorists. The book should appeal to both film buff and fans of science fiction.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081352492X
• ISBN13: 9780813524924
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Good history of SciFi

I used this book in a SciFi film class. It was a great tool to have.

Film criticism the way that it should be done.

Would-be film critics could take lessons in readability from Sobchack. She makes her point clearly, without excessively convoluted text. In addition to being thought-inspiring, it is genuinely well-written and often a pleasure to read. Sobchack divides the books into chapters that address issues of definition, image, dialogue and sound in the science fiction film. It is the definitive book on the subject, and students of the genre should definitely begin here. Note: I read the second edition of the book, rather than the third that is for sale at the time of writing this review. If the book has a serious flaw, it is simply that any take on futurism in science fiction goes out of date astoundingly quickly.

Worth reading if you enjoy Science Fiction and its phyche.

I recommend anyone who is interested in Science Fiction to at least glance at this book. Yes, glance. What I enjoy most from this book is how it provides pictures of movie scenes, corresponding them with the points and theories presented. It does it in a way to make what may seem overbearing (to some people mind you) rather interesting and insightful. The visualizations help things 'click' so well. The reading becomes more and more bareable as you read on once you get used to the structure. It's great. Even if you don't like reading, buy it for the pictures it presents; just by looking at them and the small, bold explainations below will help you gain a whole new outlook on Science Fiction. Besides the visuals, I would say it is the best critical response of the Science Fiction film I have read. Other books I checked out seemed boring and unattractive. This book caught me when I looked at it. In fact, I was doing a paper in college for a History through Film class and my Instructor asked for the Catalog information. So I guess I'm not the only one. Other then that, the seriousness of the book gives the genre what it diserves while retaining your interest to read on. Most importantly, though, it helps clear up thoughts I've had for years and makes it presentable in words. Very gratifying. Check it out.