Endangering Science Fiction Film explores the ways in which science fiction film is a dangerous and endangering genre. The collection argues that science fiction's cinematic power rests in its ability to imagine 'Other' worlds that challenge and disturb the lived conditions of the 'real' world, as it is presently known to us. From classic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris to modern blockbusters including World War Z and Gravity, and directors from David Cronenberg to Alfonso Cuarón, contributors comment on the way science fiction film engages with dangerous encounters, liminal experiences, sublime aesthetics, and untethers space and time to question the very nature of human existence. With the analysis of a diverse range of films from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Endangering Science Fiction Film offers a uniquely interdisciplinary view of the evolving and dangerous sentiments and sensibility of this genre.
"At a time when SF cinema has become 'dangerous' once more for its cultural relevance and its ontological, epistemological, and aesthetic exploration of grand ideas and problems, it has also become 'endangered'-primarily by superheroes and the genre of fantasy. Redmond and Marvell's collection is thus a welcome reminder of the power of SF film to provoke us to thought and action in the real world in which we live. Bringing together strong essays from an international mix of media and cultural studies scholars who write on a variety of important topics and films, Endangering Science Fiction Film would also work well in the classroom." -Vivian Sobchack, University of California, Los Angeles
"Between cognition and commodification, revolution and reaction, affect and effect, between the sublime and the ridiculous, SF is perilous and imperilling. It can dislocate any sense of space and time, unsettle any exceptionalism, destabilise any prejudice, or it can hew to privilege and reaffirm power. Either way, as this collection shows, SF is a threat." -Mark Bould, University of the West of England
"Dangerously taboo, progressive, conservative; provocative; Endangering Science Fiction Film, an exciting collection of insightful and rigorously researched essays, shatters our comfortable preconceptions about SF film and the present and future worlds that they explore. A must-read for the SF student and scholar." -Stacey Abbott, University of Roehampton
