Science Fiction

Terminator is an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Arnold’s physique is the star of the film The progressive decay of the Body into the Machine is his co-star With the special effects that animated the Terminator as best supporting actor Watch the full video essay Subscribe to the Science Fiction podcast for the extended audio commentary LINKContinue reading "The De-Terminator : free will vs determinism in the Terminator"

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin is a novel written at the beginning of the future. It’s hard to remember today, after Logan’s Run, The Handmaid’s Tale and Hunger Games made “dystopia” an entertainment genre, but when Yevgeny Zamyatin was writing in the early 1920s, it was only beginning to dawn on humanity just how bad the future might be. OrContinue reading "The science fiction novel that destroyed socialism"

Dive into the influential cyberpunk comic 'Transmetropolitan' as it challenges neoliberalism through its gripping narrative and vivid artistry. Explore how revolutionary themes resonate with today’s societal upheavals, especially among younger audiences. Discover the transformative power of technology in driving non-violent change and storytelling’s role in modern movements. Unpack the cultural critique of neoliberalism found within, focusing on the flawed yet compelling figure of Spider Jerusalem, a gonzo journalist navigating a dystopian world.

Explore how George Orwell's insights on oligarchy resonate with today's political landscape. Dive into a discussion about the rise of technocracy post-Trump, highlighted through themes in the show Andor. Reflect on modern comfort versus historical revolutions and the materialism shaping contemporary discontent. The conversation navigates transhumanism and accelerationism through a quirky lens, while also critiquing Orwell's Cold War foresight and the present-day threats to democracy. A thought-provoking blend of politics, history, and imagination awaits!

Dive into the fascinating obsessions of Philip K. Dick, from T-shirt inspirations to intense filming mishaps. Explore how 'A Scanner Darkly' embodies his themes of paranoia and surveillance culture, showcasing Keanu Reeves’ thought-provoking performance. The discussion highlights the uncomfortable realities of addiction and critiques the impact of star casting on storytelling. Discover PKD's visionary insights from 1974 and their relevance in today's world of constant surveillance and visibility.

Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienWalter/membership Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DamienWalter Subscribe to the Science Fiction podcast feed for long-form commentaries on these video essays https://damiengwalter.com/podcast/ Join the Science Fiction community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/324897304599197/ Follow Damien on Twitter - https://x.com/damiengwalter Bluesky - LINK https://bsky.app/profile/damiengwalter.bsky.social

Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienWalter/membership Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DamienWalter Subscribe to the Science Fiction podcast feed for long-form commentaries on these video essays https://damiengwalter.com/podcast/ Join the Science Fiction community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/324897304599197/ Follow Damien on Twitter - https://x.com/damiengwalter Bluesky - LINK https://bsky.app/profile/damiengwalter.bsky.social

Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienWalter/membership Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DamienWalter Subscribe to the Science Fiction podcast feed for long-form commentaries on these video essays https://damiengwalter.com/podcast/ Join the Science Fiction community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/324897304599197/ Follow Damien on Twitter - https://x.com/damiengwalter Threads - https://www.threads.net/@damiengwalter Bluesky - LINK https://bsky.app/profile/damiengwalter.bsky.social

The conversation dives into the need for realistic and optimistic futures in science fiction. It challenges creators to move beyond distant fantasies and collaborate on inspiring visions for the next century. The discussion also addresses the collapse of traditional narratives with the rise of automation and AI. It highlights the urgency to redefine work and meaning, urging new, hopeful stories to navigate this transition into a post-modern era.

Dive into the cultural critique surrounding the film 'Joker,' where consumerism distorts narratives. The discussion challenges shallow storytelling, spotlighting the complexity of characters like Harley Quinn. Explore how the Joker films serve as anti-fantasy narratives, revealing themes of madness and societal neglect. Discover the radical implications of cinema in addressing inequality and violence, and why it's crucial to engage with storytelling beyond mere marketability.