In this discussion, Chris Nashawaty, an entertainment writer and author of "The Future Was Now," highlights the profound impact of eight iconic sci-fi films from 1982, including E.T. and Blade Runner. He explains how these movies reshaped the genre and influenced modern blockbusters. Ken Tucker, a rock critic, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the New York Dolls' "Too Much Too Soon," reflecting on its significance in punk rock and the raw humanity captured in their music. Together, they explore creativity and risk-taking in both film and music.
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1982's Impact on Cinema
The summer of 1982, with films like Blade Runner and E.T., created a shift in cinema.
This era marked the start of Hollywood catering to fan culture, which continues to impact the industry today.
insights INSIGHT
Birth of the Blockbuster
Jaws and Star Wars demonstrated that audiences would repeatedly pay to see films they loved.
This revealed the potential of a dedicated fan base, prompting studios to cater to this demand, leading to the 1982 boom.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Spielberg's Personal Touch in *E.T.*
Steven Spielberg, already successful with Jaws, channeled his lonely childhood into E.T.
The film's emotional core stemmed from his personal experiences, amplified by screenwriter Melissa Matheson's contributions.
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There is no book titled 'In Too Much Too Soon' by Paul Nelson. However, Paul Nelson was a music critic who supported the New York Dolls, whose second album is titled 'In Too Much, Too Soon'. For more on Paul Nelson, consider 'Everything Is An Afterthought: The Life And Writings Of Paul Nelson' by Kevin Avery.
Who Goes There?
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John W. Campbell Jr.
John W. Campbell Jr.'s "Who Goes There?" is a seminal science fiction short story that explores themes of paranoia, alien invasion, and the unknown. The story follows a group of scientists in Antarctica who encounter a mysterious alien creature. The creature's ability to perfectly mimic other lifeforms creates a chilling atmosphere of distrust and fear. The story's exploration of the unknown and the fragility of human understanding has made it a classic of the genre. Its influence can be seen in numerous adaptations, most notably John Carpenter's "The Thing". The story's enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful themes and suspenseful narrative.
The Future Was Now
Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982
Chris Nashawaty
The Future Was Now explores the pivotal summer of 1982 in Hollywood, when films like E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Tron, and Conan the Barbarian dominated the box office. Nashawaty delves into the making of these films, the risks taken by the industry, and the impact these movies had on the future of filmmaking. The book provides a fast-paced and opinionated narrative that will appeal to sci-fi buffs and students of the film industry.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Philip K. Dick
Published in 1968, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco after a nuclear war. The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with 'retiring' six escaped Nexus-6 androids. The novel delves into profound philosophical questions about the nature of life, empathy, and what defines humanity. It also introduces the concept of Mercerism, a religion that emphasizes empathy and compassion. The book is known for its complex characters, including Deckard's moral dilemmas and the ambiguous line between human and android, which has been a significant influence on science fiction and popular culture, including the film 'Blade Runner'.
In 1982, eight science fiction films were released within eight weeks of each other: E.T., Tron, Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, Conan the Barbarian, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Thing, and Mad Max: The Road Warrior. Entertainment writer Chris Nashawaty talks to Tonya Mosley about how those movies shaped the genre and the movie industry. His book is The Future Was Now.
Also, Ken Tucker reflects on the New York Dolls' album Too Much Too Soon for its 50th anniversary.
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