This paper concers the role of heroes in American Science Fiction movies from the 1970's and 1980's, namely E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) by Steven Spielberg and Alien (1979) by Ridley Scott. It is a comparing review that analyzes the novelty of women and children as heroes in American Film. A selection of scenes from the original movies are analyzed in detail to figure out the innovation that is the new kind of heroes.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- An Introduction to the modern ‘Blockbuster’ and what is special about this new genre
- The question of how a hero is defined, whether the new heroes in the ‘Blockbuster’ are real heroes or anti-heroes and the adoption of other characters than men in a leading role
- Adoption of a woman as actor in a leading role in the movie ‘Alien’ by Ridley Scott
- Sigourney Weaver as the first action heroine in film history
- The women's role in Hollywood from the 1970's on
- Adoption of children as actors in the leading roles in the movie ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’ by Steven Spielberg
- How fun and sympathy are created for E.T. and Elliott
- The children's empathetic and amicable acting as a role model for the whole mankind
- Novel usage of extraterrestrials as main characters
- The alien as an enemy and antagonist
- The alien as a friend and protagonist
- Popular aliens? The coming of new merchandise articles and sales strategies based on the popularity of the extraterrestrials
- The symbolic, religious meaning of ‘Alien’ and ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’
- New kind of producing films
- The creature design
- Critical praise for the movies ‘Alien’ and ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’
- Adoption of a woman as actor in a leading role in the movie ‘Alien’ by Ridley Scott
- Science fiction needs heroes but heroes are not only needed by Science Fiction
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper examines the evolution of heroes in 1970s and 1980s American science fiction blockbuster films. It analyzes how the "Blockbuster" genre redefined both filmmaking and audience engagement, focusing on the innovative portrayal of heroes beyond the traditional male archetype.
- The definition and evolution of the "hero" archetype in blockbuster films.
- The emergence of unconventional heroes, including women and children, as protagonists.
- The role of extraterrestrial characters as both antagonists and protagonists.
- The impact of technological advancements on filmmaking and storytelling.
- The cultural significance and reception of blockbuster films.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
An Introduction to the modern ‘Blockbuster’ and what is special about this new genre: This introductory chapter defines the "Blockbuster" film genre, highlighting its commercial success and innovative approach to storytelling, technology, and audience engagement. It emphasizes the genre's tendency to blend various media and its ability to create a sense of community among viewers. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of heroes in the context of this emerging genre.
The question of how a hero is defined, whether the new heroes in the ‘Blockbuster’ are real heroes or anti-heroes and the adoption of other characters than men in a leading role: This chapter explores the definition of a "hero," questioning whether the new heroes in blockbuster films adhere to traditional definitions or represent a departure. It delves into the concept of heroism in relation to moral concepts and societal values. The chapter highlights the emergence of unconventional heroes, particularly women and children, as central characters in blockbuster films and sets the stage for a detailed examination of these unconventional heroes in the subsequent chapters.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Science fiction film, Blockbuster films, heroes, heroines, anti-heroes, Sigourney Weaver, Alien, Steven Spielberg, E.T., extraterrestrials, women in film, children in film, genre conventions, technological innovation, cultural impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Research Paper on Heroes in 1970s and 1980s American Science Fiction Blockbusters
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper examines the evolution of heroes in 1970s and 1980s American science fiction blockbuster films. It analyzes how the "Blockbuster" genre redefined both filmmaking and audience engagement, focusing on the innovative portrayal of heroes beyond the traditional male archetype.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the definition and evolution of the "hero" archetype in blockbuster films; the emergence of unconventional heroes, including women and children, as protagonists; the role of extraterrestrial characters as both antagonists and protagonists; the impact of technological advancements on filmmaking and storytelling; and the cultural significance and reception of blockbuster films.
Which films are specifically analyzed in the paper?
The paper focuses primarily on Alien (Ridley Scott) and E.T. – The Extraterrestrial (Steven Spielberg) as case studies to illustrate the changing representation of heroes in blockbuster science fiction.
How does the paper define "Blockbuster" films?
The paper defines "Blockbuster" films as commercially successful films that innovated in storytelling, technology, and audience engagement, often blending various media and creating a sense of community among viewers.
What is the significance of Sigourney Weaver's role in Alien?
The paper highlights Sigourney Weaver's role as Ripley in Alien as a pivotal moment, establishing her as one of the first action heroines in film history and marking a significant shift in the portrayal of women in Hollywood.
How does the paper address the portrayal of children as heroes?
The paper analyzes the portrayal of children as heroes in E.T. – The Extraterrestrial, focusing on how the film uses fun and sympathy to create engaging characters and establish children's empathetic acting as a role model.
What is the paper's approach to extraterrestrial characters?
The paper examines the diverse roles played by extraterrestrial characters, analyzing them as both antagonists (as in Alien) and protagonists (as in E.T.), exploring their symbolic and religious meanings and their impact on merchandising and sales strategies.
What are the key technological aspects discussed in the paper?
The paper touches upon technological advancements in filmmaking, particularly creature design, and their impact on the creation and reception of blockbuster science fiction films.
What are some of the key words associated with the paper?
Key words include: Science fiction film, Blockbuster films, heroes, heroines, anti-heroes, Sigourney Weaver, Alien, Steven Spielberg, E.T., extraterrestrials, women in film, children in film, genre conventions, technological innovation, cultural impact.
What is the overall conclusion of the research paper? (This section needs to be completed with content from the original research paper.)
[Insert a summary paragraph summarizing the main findings and conclusions of the research paper here. This section is missing from the provided text.]
- Quote paper
- Jakob-Benjamin Hafner (Author), 2010, The role of heroes in American Science Fiction movies in the 1970’s and 1980’s. E.T. and Alien in comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/277351
