Portfolio Genre Research #1 (Sci-fi)

My opinion is set on making my portfolio film project on the sci-fi genre, specifically space. I initially wanted to do a horror film, but I decided to do space since it is more unique.

The sci-fi (space) genre is usually defined by humanity's, or at least a high intelligence's, interaction with the unknown. Such stories set in space are usually placed beyond Earth, like distant planets or space stations or other galaxies. This genre is usually followed by advanced technology, aliens, and artificial intelligence. The greatest movies that define this movie genre is 2001 A Space Odyssey and Interstellar. These films usually show the vast expanse of space and the uncertain fate that comes with the unknown.

The type of Sci-fi I want do do (Space)

My film does not have a main story or specific narrative that the viewers should only think of. I like to have my films make the audience think on their own interpretations of my work instead of one set definition. This is perfectly explained by Stanley Kubrick according to TvTropes quote page of the famous director. "You're free to speculate as you wish about the philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film...but I don't want to spell out a verbal road map for 2001 that every viewer will feel obligated to pursue or else fear that he's missed the point.". This point is still evident in the movie Interstellar by Christopher Nolan: many long shots of space ships drifting in space with no talking, music is only used selectively for pivotal moments in the movies, and each film takes its time to flesh out its story. Audience wise, the space genre mostly consists of young adult viewers and people interested in science. 

Other than 2001 and Interstellar, other movies that I have found that define the space genre is: First Man, The Martian, and Apollo 13. I chose these films because I do not want to make my project like Starwars or Guardians of the Galaxy, where the space genre is used to show technology out of bounds within human reach. I want an aspect of realism for my film, as for all films, but I just want my film to be leaning more on the realistic side. 

Analysis of Sci-Fi (Space)

First Man by Damien Chazelle is about the true story of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the long decade it took to get Armstrong to become the first man to walk on the moon. I love this movie because of its amazing use of lighting and color. Not a surprise since Chazelle is the same director who made La La Land and Whiplash, two movies which use incredible use of colors. I mainly want to look into this film because of its realistic portrayal of the space program and the process of men becoming astronauts, along with accurate depictions on how astronauts pilot their space crafts. 

The Martian by Ridley Scott is about how an astronaut named Mark Watney gets stranded on the planet Mars after a severe dust storm separated him from his crew. This movie is realistic in its own way by showing, mostly, accurate science on how Watney is able to survive and produce life on the desolate red planet. I like this film because it shows the big differences between planets like Earth and Mars. People are so used to their lifestyles that they forget that large objects like Mars exist that used to house life, but are now reduced to large red rocks floating about. 

Other space movies I like to use as inspiration

Alien (1979)

Ad Astra (2019)

Andor (2022-2025)

Project Hailmary (Book from 2021)