Mars Wants Movies

April 14, 2024 7:05 AM

"The History of Sci-Fi Film from 1900 to the Present." Under the title Robots and Rayguns, Mars Wants Movies [YT channel] is methodically reviewing the history of sci-fi on film – the classics along with the forgotten. (At the time of posting, it is at Episode 16, for the year 1936.) From Episode 1: "In this ongoing series, I will delve into the history of science fiction cinema. …This introductory episode sets the stage for the history of the genre that dominates Hollywood today. But in the early 20th Century, the genre was a mix of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and experimentation that evolved with the technology of the 20th Century." The series also looks at other contemporary milestones in movies, plus the scientific, cultural, and historical events of the times. "From interstellar adventures to dystopian futures, the genre has captivated audiences, allowing them to contemplate the possibilities of technological advancements, extraterrestrial life, and the consequence of our own scientific pursuits."
posted by McLir (7 comments total)

I'm impressed both with the ambition of the undertaking and the granularity of the research. While I learned some new stuff about classics like Metropolis and Bride of Frankenstein, it's the movies I've never heard of before that really capture my interest.
How will the series will handle the explosions of sci-fi movies in the 50s and then in the late 70s? Excited to see how the series evolves.
posted by McLir at 8:25 AM on April 14 [1 favorite]

THIS IS EXTREMELY MY JAM THANK YOU

(runs away to watch)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:57 AM on April 14

I have a hard time watching videos but I subbed to that channel. This looks like something I would like to have watched.
posted by Aardvark Cheeselog at 11:39 AM on April 14

The latest episode covers 1936 and spends a full ten minutes talking about Flash Gordon and doesn't ONCE mention how racist it is so .. yup.
posted by Faintdreams at 1:33 PM on April 14

This is an excellent post. Thanks.
posted by Czjewel at 1:54 PM on April 14

I really love Things To Come. "Release the gas of peace!" Thanks for the post!
posted by Catblack at 3:02 PM on April 14

Are you referring to Ming the Merciless ?"Faintdreams"
posted by Narrative_Historian at 9:33 PM on April 14