Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema

Aliens R Us explores the global culture of science fiction cinema, and in particular its presentation of contemporary images of the Other. Taking as a starting point the popularity of international forms such as Japanese Manga and Hong Kong sci-fi, in addition to the success of films such as The Matrix and television series such as Deep Space Nine, the contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis. In doing so, they discuss issues such as Orientalism, technology, apocalyptic futures, xenophobia, militarism and the role of women. Most contemporary studies look at the generic characteristics of science fiction,with its allegorical rendering of contemporary life, usually in relation to America. This book moves beyond a purely generic study, assessing European and Asian film work, discussing their varying representations of the Other, and what this reveals about popular perceptions of global culture and society. Case studies include Independence Day, Star Trek: First Contact and Until the End of the World, in addition to chapters on Eco-Apocalypse and new French sci-fi and New Manchester Ecstasy sci-fi.

Ziauddin Sardar is Visiting Professor of Postcolonial Studies at City University, London. He is the author of several books for Pluto Press, most recently Postmodernism and the Other. Sean Cubitt is Professor of Screen and Media Studies, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. He is author of Videography: Video Media as Art and Culture and Digital Aesthetics.