Jul 26

The Dystopian Fixation

avatar Published in screenwriting, politics, movies, independent film, hollywood, filmmaking, film by Aaron Howland
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Dystopia (n.) a fictional, and often futuristic, society that lives under the control of an oppressive government.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but it seems to me that almost all dystopian-based films, no matter how good or bad, develop at least a cult following.  There are plenty of horror films, sports films, and romantic comedies that fly under the radar, but when a dystopian-themed film is made, it almost immediately develops a legion of devoted fans.

Let's take The Matrix franchise and the Star Wars prequels.  I'm glad these movies have come and gone simply so I don't have to hear someone tell me that they're the greatest movies ever made.  This isn't to say that I have anything against dystopian films.  As a matter of fact, I'm a big fan of them.  The original Star Wars, Blade Runner, A Clockwork Orange, The Terminator, Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari: these movies are fantastic.

What is it, though, about dystopian films that causes fans to latch onto them with the same conviction that one might have for a religion?  Is it as simple as the human desire to fight authority?  Perhaps it has more to do with dystopian films echoing the themes of ancient myths and texts (the Israelites overcoming the Pharaoh or the Babylonians, for example).  Many dystopian films are meant to comment on current political issues, but is this commentary reason enough for such extreme devotion to a film?

If anyone has thoughts on this subject, I'd love to hear them.  As a matter of fact, I've been on quite a dystopian film kick recently, so if anyone has recommendations, please let me know.



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Steve Head said:

 		 Hi Ryan,

Here are some titles for you.

Beyond Stars Wars, Lucas has the more streamlined dystopian pic THX 1138. The special edition version is kinda cool.

Others that come to mind are Children of Men, V for Vendetta, Brazil, Escape from New York (and LA), Rollerball, Mad Max and Dark City.

And don't forget the kick-ass Battle Royale.
July 26, 2007

Craig Carpenter said:

 		 I'm not sure I would agree that The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is dystopian. In answer to your question, I think people generally have their own fears about what a authoritarian future would be like, and so maybe they latch onto whatever seems most disturbing. Check out Code 64, Fahrenheit 451, maybe cable news?
August 29, 2007

Aaron Howland said:

 		 Craig,

Thanks for the comment and the suggestions. I'll definitely check out Code 46. (That's the film you meant, right? I couldn't find a Code 64).

As for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, you're probably right in that it doesn't fit into the strict definition of dystopian. I think I consider it dystopian because the film was intended to be anti-authoritarian, based on the writers' poor experiences with military psychiatrists. Moreover, the ending that audiences have seen for the past 87 years was not the intended ending. In the original script, Francis was supposed to have been right about Caligari all along, but this ending was changed against the wishes of the writers.
August 29, 2007

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