Sunshine
I'm a huge fan of science fiction. If I ever get around to getting pen to paper the idea I extract will be science fiction in some form or other. I'm fascinated by the dreamscapes put on screen or laid down in prose, these almost sentient cities or spaces that are truly epic in form, dwarfing the characters that are astonishing enough for us mere mortals.
While I wait for the gorgeous remastered visuals and sound of the SE Bladerunner to be released I have the new film from Danny Boyle to tide me over. Scripted by Alex Garland of The Beach fame, it's a tale of Earth Crisis as the sun all but extinguished is about to plunge us all into eternal winter. A group of intrepid astronauts and scientists embark on a space mission to reignite the sun's core using hypothetical science. However while deep in space they encounter something that sends the mission spiralling out of control.
Along with the trailer which can be be viewed here:
There is also an exhaustive and fascinating blog following the every aspect of the film's production. It looks gorgeous matching the silver and orange gold tone of the film. On a visual level I cannot wait to see it, especially when you consider how much effort Boyle's crew is going to add something new to an already crowded genre. The initial space suit designs based on samurai combined with the advanced material that has a reflective quality are just one of many nice touches.
Looking through the site I got a certain sense of deja vu and although there's no direct correlation the project certainly has the same impact as photos I took when I visited The Weather Project exhibition at the Tate modern. As you can see from these photos, these could be images from as yet unmade science fiction film:
The first one managed to capture the silhouetted throng engulfed in that strange mist they pumped into the cavernous room. It was almost like a vast industrial chathedral. The 2nd, 3rd and 5th photos should be turned, but there's something about this angle that is more powerful. Looking up some technochannel at a great artificial sun?
Anyway, check the trailer out and then spend some time looking through the blog. It's of definite interest for any science fiction buff as well as general hard science enthusiasts. There's a great deal of research been done by the creators to base everything in as much reality as possible. You can even read some stuff by the on set professor they brought in to coach the actors.
Oh and as an addendum I thought I'd post my two favourite pieces of science fiction music. First we have the End Title from Jerry Goldsmith's fantastic Alien OST. Enjoy:
