Ridley Scott's The Martian

The concept of realistic and fantastic elements is a concept that is unique to science fiction literature, and they help develop the theme of this specific story. A key realistic element introduced almost immediately is perhaps the most important detail. It is disguised because when one hears that “It had been raining for seven years,”(1) it is difficult to see the realism there, but when analyzed closer, the realism is evident. The rain is very ordinary and realistic; however, the duration of the rain is fantastic. The use of such an ordinary thing, present in every person’s life across the globe to some extent, creates an instant familiarity that helps the story have a foundation upon which to sit. With the realistic element, facilitating a base for the story, fantastic element provides the

Tension, humor, and foreshadowing are some examples of elements that readers will find in The Martian. In The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney is left behind on Mars. Because of a dust storm, Mark's teammates believe that he is dead and left him behind. The Martian is a science fiction book that gives readers an idea of how people might be able to colonize Mars and gives readers an idea of what space is like. The Martian has an author that self-published his book, and who used humor and foreshadowing to keep his readers engaged.

By creating this bestselling novel, Andy Weir has set up a formula for any science fiction novel to be written with his incorporation of sarcasm with the added sense of fear. Weir was a child raised under two science involved parents, so it’s no wonder where he got the inspiration from. By using sarcasm, Weir developed a sort of “Watney” style of humor. The reader doesn’t just see it as joking. Humor is one of the main things that keeps Mark alive. By keeping the readers on the edge of their seat with twists and turns no one saw coming, it’s hard to find a chance to set this book down! Because The Martian is such a enthralling novel, Weir could be on the way to writing another

Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 transcends the bounds of Hollywood’s usual, cliché alien movies. Through its imposing cinematography and mise-en-scène, an element of compassion is woven in throughout District 9, inverting the audience’s expectations with a shocking, novel narrative. The first fifteen minutes open up in a ‘mockumentary’ style, establishing the environment with interviews, news footage, corporation logs, and found footage of the alien ship hovering over Johannesburg. The film’s opening scene communicates that the extraterrestrials first arrived during the 1980’s and have been living amongst the people of Johannesburg as an unwelcome threat ever since. However, as film’s narrative progressively informs the viewer, their

It basically showed how people were very focused with space exploration that they forgot about the terrible events occurring in their planet. For example war, poverty, and prejudice. This affects with their emotions because it makes them realize how blind they have been towards things currently happen within

We all dream of an ulterior world, a world in which we picture a perfect life with no struggles, problems, or pandemics. Both Interstellar, by Christopher Nolan, and Station Eleven by Emily Mandel, depict their characters as struggling not only with survival, but their sense of their own identity and security. Within Station Eleven, the saying, “survival is insufficient” is a recurring theme of Interstellar as well. While there are some differences in the characters and themes within Interstellar and Station Eleven, the similarities are the connections to their identity in which they adapt to the force of change within their world. As the characters struggle with adapting, they cling to certain things that allow them to remain sane. As a result, the characters feel like they have a purpose again due to their struggle for survival.

The mate ties his crew to the white-painted wreckage in order to keep him and his crew afloat, this represents the mate tying himself to the white-painted idealism, which landed him and his crew in their predicament, to keep him and his crew alive. It is only after he ties himself to his idealism that he is able to think not only positively, but also rationally. He thinks of when the white wreckage will serve its purpose and he, “[will] abandon it.” (pg. 6). He realizes that because of his idealism he landed where he is, but that it is also necessary for him while he faces adversity. Similarly, the final moments of the short story, the mate awaits the sunrise, a new beginning, “certain the the clouds would open like a vast curtain and the heavens give them a sign.” (pg. 6) This “sign” is a chance at life for the surviving crew members. It is only after the crew clings on to idealism, that they can stay alive, and have a chance of survival through their drastic quandry; they need idealism to foster hope, so they may

Thoughtful literature allows experience thrilling adventures, amusing characters with unique traits, and unexplored situations to be touched upon. Andy Weir’s Mark Watney in The Martian endures such events with his realistic portrayal of hardship, optimism, and challenge. In Watney’s fight for survival to escape the harsh conditions and solitude of being left to die on Mars, he exposes mankind’s capabilities and persistence. Watney’s uplifting, humorous character, and his relatable character ensure even with his isolation, there’s never a dull moment. Mark Watney possesses a unique skillset and uplifting mindset in combination with NASA’s relentless efforts to save him enable him to solve problems and ultimately survive on Mars.

The low-key lighting makes everything in the ship seem like shadows; the drastic change of the set and lighting leaves the audience uncomfortable and tense. In the office scene, the props behind the main character are books and computers, which depicts that he is intelligent and holds some importance. Another element telling the audience that the character speaking to us is of importance is his microphone since he is appearing ‘front and center’ in this “documentary”. The setting of Johannesburg sets a different expectation for the viewer, as most Hollywood alien movies take place in major American cities; the foreign setting automatically distinguishes the film’s unique

Mars is described, as overwhelming and all consuming, quite like society. “Mars becomes a way of seeing, of being, a state of mind, a vision, an addiction,” (Harlow 311-314). Bradbury best shows the effects on Mars through his character Spender, who rages against his crewmates, murdering some as protest of destructive technology and the ignorance towards past races. When the colonization of Mars begins, many people fled for disingenuous reasons. “The men of Earth came to Mars. They came because they were afraid or unafraid, because they were happy

Imagine what it would be like to live on mars. ‘’Dark They Were and, Golden Eyed’’, Ray Bradbury’s short story, takes us to a dark world full of Martian life. In 1980 this story was converted into a radio play by Michael McDonough. Both versions share the same story, but the text version is more effective in creating Dark mood of the story.

In the science fiction story, “Dark They Were, and Golden Eyed”, Ray Bradbury explores the theme of the environment, and how it can affect the lives of its inhabitants. He creates the Bittering family who one day decides to visit Mars. He relates how experiencing the Martian sun, drinking the Martian water, and eating fruit and vegetables grown in Martian soil gradually change them from Earthlings to Martians. Let us examine this in greater detail. To begin, the Martian sun is changing the Bittering family.

On the importance of Martians and mentorship: A Literary Analysis of Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein From Socrates and Plato in Ancient Greece to Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter, mentorship has had a huge impact on not only the story's protagonist but also those who follow the protagonist through their journey. While mentorship creates the driving force, religion makes the basis for the ethical and moral code that will dictate how the protagonist acts. In Robert Heinlein’s science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land, Valentine Michael “Mike” Smith is the Man-from-Mars come to live on Earth. Mike learns what it means to be human while simultaneously teaching his friends and followers what it means to be Martian. Jubal

The amazing aerial shots of the “martian” landscape show the beauty of this alien world but also the overpowering cruelty and loneliness that one must endure to survive here. Astronaut Mark Watney learns through trial and error how extremely indifferent this world is to his survival. Although he struggles to survive and is constantly berated with whatever Mars throws at him, he still finds awe and inspiration through the majesty of Mars. At one point in this film, Mark says, “Sometimes I look out into the vast horizons… just because I can.” No matter what challenges Mark meets, he still appreciates the unique experience he is living through.

Most of the science fiction works contain a crucial message that the writer wishes to convey to the viewers. There are two categories of film message, one is positive and the other is negative. A positive message is one that is expected to have favourable outcome to the audience, and continuously aiming to promote better societal changes. In contrast, a negative message is one that could deliver threats or unpleasant information to the audience, which could have significant impact on the normal order of the society. This essay will argue that if the message contains positive elements, then it is not a bad sign to embed science fiction works with a message. First, this essay will suggest that the well-integrated message within a particular