“I hate science fiction!”: why Paul Verhoeven can’t stand the genre that defined his career
Unexpected.
Science Fiction
Science fiction is a genre of literature, film, television and other media that explores imaginative concepts rooted in science, technology and speculative futures.
Often examining the consequences of scientific advancement, space exploration, artificial intelligence, time travel and extraterrestrial life, science fiction uses fictional settings to explore philosophical, political and social questions.
While early works by authors such as Mary Shelley, Jules Verne and H G Wells helped establish the genre, the 20th century saw it flourish through writers including Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke and Ursula K Le Guin, alongside landmark films such as ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Blade Runner’. Today, science fiction remains one of the most influential and expansive genres across global popular culture.
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The classic 1963 TV show Steven Spielberg said “the world would be a poorer place without”
He’s part of the cult fanbase.
George Lucas’ ironic 1988 aversion to altering classic movies: “Something must be done”
He’d come to betray his own words.
The unsung 1998 movie Kiefer Sutherland called the “highest art form of filmmaking”
It became a cult classic.
The 2012 movie Alex Garland couldn’t stand making: “It just created a bloody mess”
He became a ghost-director.
“One of the most ridiculous films of all time”: the 1958 cult classic Eric Bana would watch forever
There’s nothing wrong with schlock.
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An intriguing digital adventure.
More About Science Fiction
Science fiction is a genre that explores speculative ideas based on science, technology and imagined futures, often featuring space travel, advanced technology, artificial intelligence or extraterrestrial life.
Among the genre's most influential writers are Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, HG Wells, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Philip K Dick, Ursula K Le Guin and Octavia E Butler.
Widely acclaimed science fiction films include '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'Blade Runner', 'Alien', 'The Matrix', 'Star Wars', 'Arrival' and 'Children of Men'.