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Science fiction

Used for:

Action-adventure
Psychotronic

Scope Note:

Fictional work that relies on some type(s) of advanced technology, scientific development, or encounter with alien life, to make the narrative possible. Stories frequently have a prophetic nature, forecasting how technological changes may impact society in the years to come (METROPOLIS). The likely future is often seen as dehumanized (THX-1138), dystopian (BLADE RUNNER), or post-apocalyptic (PLANET OF THE APES). May be set on both Earth or in outer space, and (most often) in the future, although sometimes set in the present or past (TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA; THE FIRST MEN IN THE MOON). Note: Horror may overlap with Science fiction when advanced technology or alien life prove malevolent and terrifying. Feature examples: BACK TO THE FUTURE; CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND; E.T.--THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL; FAHRENHEIT 451 (with Adaptation); INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (with Horror); JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (with Adaptation); THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (with Adaptation); MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1961) (with Survival; Adaptation); ON THE BEACH (with Adaptation); STAR WARS; THINGS TO COME (with Adaptation); THE TIME MACHINE (with Adaptation); 2001--A SPACE ODYSSEY (with Adaptation); THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (with Adaptation); ZARDOZ. Serial examples: FLASH GORDON; BUCK ROGERS; THE PHANTOM EMPIRE (with Singing cowboy); RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON. TV examples: BLAKE'S 7; DR. WHO; FIREBALL XL-5 (with the form Puppet); LOST IN SPACE; MAX HEADROOM; MY FAVORITE MARTIAN (with Situation comedy); OCEAN GIRL; SPACE: 1999; STAR TREK; THE TIME TUNNEL; THE WILD, WILD WEST (with Western); THE X FILES (with Horror).

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