Sci-fi is the fictional genre most concerned with exploring man's connection with science and technology, as well as the potential and repercussions of humanity's technological progress, creating futuristic and faraway worlds, and pondering our role in a cosmos full of undiscovered wonders. But, of course, technological advances are everywhere these days, from the latest in virtual reality gaming to revolutionized slot games.
The filmmakers behind these films have influenced our perceptions of the future and opened our minds to both fantastic and terrible realities. So, who are these figures, and what do they have in common? These are five of my favorites.
Alex Garland - "Ex Machina," Garland's directorial debut, is a masterfully produced, cool-as-hell sci-fi psychological thriller that brilliantly illustrates the possible horrific consequences of artificial intelligence. Garland later directed "Annihilation," a critically acclaimed version of Jeff VanderMeer's "Southern Reach" trilogy. The film included some of the most breathtakingly terrifying scenarios in recent memory, as well as some of the most astounding graphics.
Dennis Villeneuve - Denis Villeneuve is a French-Canadian director whose most recent film is Dune, based on Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel of the same name. Villeneuve is no stranger to obstacles, as evidenced by his work on Blade Runner 2049, a slow-burning thriller sequel to the decades-old original. With his first science fiction film, Arrival, the director demonstrated his unique vision for adapting science fiction stories for the big screen in a way that is both entertaining and curious.
Stanley Kubrick - I consider Kubrick to be one of the best science fiction film filmmakers, partly due to his technical proficiency. If only other science fiction directors had his eye for detail and ability to make the minutiae add to a complete image of the future. But Kubrick does more than that; he uses film technology to tackle the enormous questions that only science fiction can answer.
George Lucas - Lucas, whose name is linked with Star Wars, is also the creator of the Indiana Jones franchise. The first Star Wars put George Lucas on the map, and the galaxy far, far away went on to become one of the most enduring science fiction franchises of all time. Lucas has worked on several other films over his career, including Kagemusha, Labyrinth, and The Land Before Time, and has been dubbed a key figure in the New Hollywood Era.
Alfonso Cuaron - Cuarón's science fiction flicks are his most well-known and well-received works. "Children of Men," based on P.D. James' dystopian novel about a future world in which humanity has faced 18 years of infertility, is widely regarded as one of the best films of the twenty-first century, earning Cuarón his first Academy Award nominations.
So, what do these masterminds have in common, I hear you ask. Well, let me tell you. The best science fiction films survive by exceeding current knowledge's constraints. They explore beyond current trends to the more significant questions of how science and technology impact the human spirit and how scientific discovery changes our understanding of our place in the cosmos. How do we deal with the ethical quandaries that technology imposes? What role does technology play in mediating and changing our most personal relationships?
The best science fiction filmmakers are masters of visual narrative. They will endeavor to make things work, no matter how ridiculous or unrealistic it may appear to be, to bring a sci-fi story to the big screen. These people know how to give the most inventive thrills, from scary monsters and lonely worlds to time-traveling hijinks. While superhero films currently reign supreme at the box office, science fiction has had its fair share of blockbusters. It's past time for the best science fiction film directors to be recognized.
While nearly all of these filmmakers are great craftsmen (and yes, they are all men), what sets them apart from their peers is a vision that brings together all of the different parts of filmmaking to create entirely new universes. The need for directorial talent is higher than ever before, with more film and television content being produced. Unfortunately, despite their technical and creative qualifications, most ambitious directors can never break into the industry in the way they desire. Going to film school and possessing a camera isn't enough in today's world. Everyone wants to be a director, but when the competition is fierce, you have to pick up your game, which these five people have done.
