X-RAYS, QUARKS AND THE PEN


X-RAYS, QUARKS AND THE PEN BY Darrell J. Banks Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved

When we stopped at Act 3, I mentioned " The Chronicles of Riddick". This series of movies debuted, several years ago with 'Pitch Black' . Those films continued the path of the science fiction genre. Science has fascinated the masses, who unaware of the complex equations of calculus and unwilling to study string theory, remain fascinated by the familiar call of a "I Robot". This film genre began in the Americas with the early Jules Vernes films. In this century science fiction film has branched into three major sub genres. These genres are the space film, the super hero and the horror/science film.

We will first cover the most viable genre, for the speculative screenwriter; space. So sit back rent some movies and get ready to explore via "Contact and the first "Star Wars Trilogy". For you "Star Trek fans", keep reading, I'll get back to you. In the coming months we will cover the films you hope to write, the "Superman, Batman and Spiderman series."

A vital component of any science fiction film is of course science. This means you have to prepare and do some research. This does not mean you need to visit N.A.S.A. But if you want to enter the Tribeca film contest, you may need to drive to your local university and peruse the science collection. While at the library you need to focus on three things. The first is the environment your movie is premised on. Yes, the environment. In "Contact", Jodie Foster's character moved from the base of earth to an environment of visceral space. She either visited those nether regions or merely created them in her brain.

Second, you must determine what sub category of science you intend to utilize. In "Contact" the focus was on astronomy, physics and of course S.E. T.I. or the search for extra terrestrial life Having formed a base (not an acid). Your third objective is to find a viable idea. In the space movie you must have some semi-intelligent creature, who either will kill you or save your heroic mission.

Take a look at the film "Alien" the bad guy, in all aspects was a synthetic android who helped the big bugs achieve their objectives. In, "Lost in Space " the mechanical robot saved the day. For further proof, see " I Robot"the movie based on Isaac Asimov 's book and continues the theme of man's worse fears. Man in his ever foreboding journey to become God, creates semi-symbiotic creations ala the robot. And in following the biblical theme the creation turns on that which gave it life.

The copyright of the article X-RAYS, QUARKS AND THE PEN in Screenwriting is owned by Darrell Banks. Permission to republish X-RAYS, QUARKS AND THE PEN in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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