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.
Table of Contents
A An Introduction to the modern ‘Blockbuster’ and what is special about this new genre
B 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
I. Adoption of a woman as actor in a leading role in the movie ‘Alien’ by Ridley Scott
1. Sigourney Weaver as the first action heroine in film history
2. The women’s role in Hollywood from the 1970’s on
II. Adoption of children as actors in the leading roles in the movie ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’ by Steven Spielberg
1. How fun and sympathy are created for E.T. and Elliott
2. The children’s empathetic and amicable acting as a role model for the whole mankind
III. Novel usage of extraterrestrials as main characters
1. The alien as an enemy and antagonist
2. The alien as a friend and protagonist
3. Popular aliens? The coming of new merchandise articles and sales strategies based on the popularity of the extraterrestrials
4. The symbolic, religious meaning of ‘Alien’ and ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’
IV. New kind of producing films
1. The creature design
2. Critical praise for the movies ‘Alien’ and ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’
C Science fiction needs heroes but heroes are not only needed by Science Fiction
D List of literature
Objectives and Research Themes
This research paper examines the evolving representation of heroes within the American blockbuster genre of the 1970s and 1980s, specifically focusing on how women, children, and extraterrestrials redefined traditional heroic roles. It explores the following central research question: How do unconventional protagonists in science fiction films contribute to the reinvention of the "hero" archetype and its reception by audiences?
- The subversion of traditional male-dominated roles in 1970s and 1980s cinema.
- The impact of child protagonists and empathetic storytelling on audience engagement.
- The juxtaposition of antagonistic and protagonist extraterrestrial figures.
- The integration of religious symbolism and semiotics in science fiction narratives.
- The relationship between blockbuster success, merchandise strategies, and film design.
Excerpt from the Book
The women’s role in Hollywood from the 1970’s on
There is a plain difference between being a hero or a heroine, in Hollywood. Heroes do not have to be handsome. They can have broken teeth, weird accents or simply be ugly because that is not what makes men heroes. However, women have to be young and beautiful to even get an opportunity to become famous in the film industry. That is why it has not often been easy for women to become the main character of a movie. From the beginning of Hollywood, this industry has been a domain for males. Moreover, men got the leading roles in films because these actors were well-paid. In the past, it was so seldom that women could do such jobs; it simply was not their business and therefore they generally cast minor roles. Besides, they often played female characters which only had to be seen as sex symbols.
In the 1970’s, women did get access to film genres which usually were male-dominated, like action, science fiction, western, war, martial arts and revenge. These types of movies were no longer destined for men only. Women made it to major roles, their characters were hyped like only male characters have been before and they did unexpected things like going to war or acting as judge. Of course, there must have been someone who turned the tables, someone from whom this sudden change must have proceeded. The afro-American actress Pam Grier can be seen as such a person. She attracted attention by playing a prisoner and a prison guard, respectively in so called “woman-in-prison” movies. It can be seen as a starting point for the success of women in the film industry which was well on the way to develop and become more important for both genders.
Summary of Chapters
A An Introduction to the modern ‘Blockbuster’ and what is special about this new genre: This chapter introduces the evolution of the blockbuster as a commercial and cultural phenomenon that redefined audience engagement and genre conventions in the late 1970s.
B 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 section explores the criteria for heroism and discusses the introduction of female and child protagonists as novel deviations from the standard male hero model.
I. Adoption of a woman as actor in a leading role in the movie ‘Alien’ by Ridley Scott: This chapter analyzes Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley, positioning her as a landmark female action heroine within the hostile environment of the spaceship Nostromo.
II. Adoption of children as actors in the leading roles in the movie ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’ by Steven Spielberg: This chapter examines how child actors evoke sympathy and act as empathetic moral anchors in Spielberg’s film, highlighting their transition into heroic roles.
III. Novel usage of extraterrestrials as main characters: This chapter discusses the dual portrayal of aliens as both terrifying antagonists in ‘Alien’ and sympathetic protagonists in ‘E.T.’, and explores the resulting commercial and symbolic impacts.
IV. New kind of producing films: This section reviews the technical innovations in creature design and assesses critical perspectives on the success and legacy of these two iconic movies.
C Science fiction needs heroes but heroes are not only needed by Science Fiction: This concluding chapter argues that the societal need for heroic role models extends beyond the screen, cementing the cultural importance of these characters.
Keywords
Blockbuster, Hero, Alien, E.T., Sigourney Weaver, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, Science Fiction, Film History, Hollywood, Gender Roles, Children in Cinema, Creature Design, Symbolism, Heroism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this seminar paper?
The paper explores the role of heroes in American science fiction films during the 1970s and 1980s, specifically investigating the shift toward unconventional protagonists like women, children, and aliens.
Which specific films are analyzed as case studies?
The analysis centers on Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ (1979) and Steven Spielberg’s ‘E.T. – The Extraterrestrial’ (1982).
What is the central research question?
The research asks how these new types of "blockbuster" heroes redefine the traditional archetype of the hero and what their importance is for the Hollywood film industry and the audience.
What methodology does the author apply?
The author uses a qualitative approach, analyzing character development, film techniques, cultural semiotics, and critical reception to evaluate the representation of heroism.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the emergence of the modern blockbuster, the role of female and child leads, the depiction of extraterrestrials as both antagonists and friends, technical creature design, and religious symbolism.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Blockbuster, Hero, Alien, E.T., Gender Roles, Hollywood, Science Fiction, and Film History.
How is Ellen Ripley’s heroism interpreted in this paper?
Ripley is described as a revolutionary female figure who defies gender norms, though the author notes her heroism is complex due to her isolation and the specific threats she faces.
How does the paper link E.T. to religious imagery?
The author identifies E.T. as a secular embodiment of Jesus Christ, noting similarities such as his descent from heaven, his healing abilities, his "death" and resurrection, and his final ascension.
- Citation du texte
- Jakob-Benjamin Hafner (Auteur), 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
