I've long argued that Science Fiction films are, perhaps, the only universal language across various cultures.
Dramas don't always translate from one country to the next, and this is largely because each nation has its own unique culture: what matters most to a Westerner isn't always the same for Easterners, and vice versa. Comedy is increasingly driven by cultural norms, so what a Chinese person finds funny undergoes a bit of watering down for an American who must 'get the joke' via reading subtitles as opposed to experiencing the communication naturally. Horror gets pretty close to being universally embraced and exchanged between two nations; still, even then, some elements of the story might tie in with how one society processes information, leaving some of the visceral thrill to get lost in the translation.
However, SciFi is that wide-eyed inspiration often driven by strong ideas and even stronger visuals, the kind of tale that unites audiences around a concept. These concepts vary -- an alien invasion with the invading race vying for global domination; a mutated virus that only brings death in its wake; etc. -- but the medium of film requires that key elements are explained visual. It's this visual linkage that brings audiences together, and SciFi has been doing this since it was first presented in light and shadows.
What's all of this getting at, you wonder?
Well, if you're reading this, then most likely you're a fan of SciFi; and I saw a post this morning that the Concord (Massachusetts) Public Library is sponsoring an online (Zoom) talk about twenty classic Science Fiction films and Why They Are Good For You. I thought I'd be doing a public service to online mankind to let you in on the event. It does require registration, so be sure to check out the full article online right here.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
Dramas don't always translate from one country to the next, and this is largely because each nation has its own unique culture: what matters most to a Westerner isn't always the same for Easterners, and vice versa. Comedy is increasingly driven by cultural norms, so what a Chinese person finds funny undergoes a bit of watering down for an American who must 'get the joke' via reading subtitles as opposed to experiencing the communication naturally. Horror gets pretty close to being universally embraced and exchanged between two nations; still, even then, some elements of the story might tie in with how one society processes information, leaving some of the visceral thrill to get lost in the translation.
However, SciFi is that wide-eyed inspiration often driven by strong ideas and even stronger visuals, the kind of tale that unites audiences around a concept. These concepts vary -- an alien invasion with the invading race vying for global domination; a mutated virus that only brings death in its wake; etc. -- but the medium of film requires that key elements are explained visual. It's this visual linkage that brings audiences together, and SciFi has been doing this since it was first presented in light and shadows.
What's all of this getting at, you wonder?
Well, if you're reading this, then most likely you're a fan of SciFi; and I saw a post this morning that the Concord (Massachusetts) Public Library is sponsoring an online (Zoom) talk about twenty classic Science Fiction films and Why They Are Good For You. I thought I'd be doing a public service to online mankind to let you in on the event. It does require registration, so be sure to check out the full article online right here.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
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