Randy Mootooveran
Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror Lit
Match 14, 2018
Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror Lit
Match 14, 2018
What to Take Away from Realistic and High Science Fiction
Science fiction is a genre that can bend to the whim of the creator or be their downfall when it invites questions. To me, comparing two science fiction stories like the Martian and Jupiter Ascending offer more than what the general viewer may believe. On the one hand, The Martian tells a realistic and grounded story of a lone astronaut surviving the elements through the lens of plausible science. And on the other hand is an action extravaganza that transforms our galaxy into a playground for hybrids and immortal space lords trying to take ownership of Earth from a janitor who can control bees. It can be argued that Jupiter Ascending falls into the sub genre of space opera, but they can both be classified that exploit science in order to tell their stories.
In my opinion, both of these stories have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Martian is one of the most authentic science fiction stories I've ever seen, but I wouldn't crack open the book or put on the film adaptation on a lazy afternoon. Meanwhile Jupiter Ascending is one of the most nonsensical and ridiculous movies I've ever seen in my life, but it's something that is plenty entertaining to watch (in both an ironic and casual way). Its ideas are ludicrous, but the Wachowskis went all out in making something all their own. To me, science fiction is a genre with many creative possibilities. As long as there is a coherent story and world at its core, the general audience will often accept any bizarre or dark view of our future. Hard science fiction is meant to appeal to those of us who are uncertain of what the future will bring given the situation of the modern day. It has its own leaps in logic when it comes to technology, but things are generally grounded in reality.
Some people say space operas are often childish, but what's the value of forcing ourselves to be bound in the science of our era? Science is constantly evolving in each century, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible. In a way, science fiction has become our modern mythology. If the scientist who first came up with these outlandish theories was praised for thinking outside of the box, then writers inventing their own technology and rules is fair game.
In the end, it all comes down to rules. Every world needs its own set of rules in order for it to work. Although I believe Jupiter Ascending isn't as good as The Martian, one thing I can't criticize it for is explaining its worlds rules and its unique mythos. A writer should have no restraint when it comes to creativity, but it's important to establish what that creativity can lead to when navigating a world that's meant to be an extension of our own.
In my opinion, both of these stories have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Martian is one of the most authentic science fiction stories I've ever seen, but I wouldn't crack open the book or put on the film adaptation on a lazy afternoon. Meanwhile Jupiter Ascending is one of the most nonsensical and ridiculous movies I've ever seen in my life, but it's something that is plenty entertaining to watch (in both an ironic and casual way). Its ideas are ludicrous, but the Wachowskis went all out in making something all their own. To me, science fiction is a genre with many creative possibilities. As long as there is a coherent story and world at its core, the general audience will often accept any bizarre or dark view of our future. Hard science fiction is meant to appeal to those of us who are uncertain of what the future will bring given the situation of the modern day. It has its own leaps in logic when it comes to technology, but things are generally grounded in reality.
Some people say space operas are often childish, but what's the value of forcing ourselves to be bound in the science of our era? Science is constantly evolving in each century, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible. In a way, science fiction has become our modern mythology. If the scientist who first came up with these outlandish theories was praised for thinking outside of the box, then writers inventing their own technology and rules is fair game.
In the end, it all comes down to rules. Every world needs its own set of rules in order for it to work. Although I believe Jupiter Ascending isn't as good as The Martian, one thing I can't criticize it for is explaining its worlds rules and its unique mythos. A writer should have no restraint when it comes to creativity, but it's important to establish what that creativity can lead to when navigating a world that's meant to be an extension of our own.
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