Gender in Science Fiction Films, 1964-1979: A Critical Study

by Bonnie Noonan

Overview

The 1950s era of science fiction film effectively ended when space flight became a reality with the first manned orbit of Earth in 1962. As the genre's wildly speculative depictions of science and technology gave way to more reality-based representations, relations between male and female characters reflected the changing political and social climates of the era.

Drawing on critical analyses, film reviews and cultural commentaries, this book examines the development of science fiction film and its representations of gender, from the groundbreaking films of 1968--including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barbarella and Planet of the Apes--through its often overlooked "Middle Period," which includes such films as Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), The Stepford Wives (1975) and A Boy and His Dog (1975).

The author examines intersections of gender and race in The Omega Man (1971) and Frogs (1972), gender and dystopia in Soylent Green (1973) and Logan's Run (1976), and gender and computers in Demon Seed (1977). The big-budget films of the late 1970s--Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Alien and Star Wars--are also discussed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476622101
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	06/08/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	228
Sales rank:	749,220
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Bonnie Noonan is an associate professor of English at Xavier University of Louisiana. She lives in New Orleans.
Bonnie Noonan is a professor of English at Xavier University of Louisiana. She lives in New Orleans.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Trajectories of ­Post-Fifties Science Fiction Films
2. 1968: A Spectacular Science Fictional Year
3. Gender and…
4. The Outliers
Conclusion. A Revitalization of the Science Fiction Film Genre
Filmographies (1964–1979)
Appendices
I. The Outer Limits Actors
II. The Outer Limits Women
III. Women in Science Fiction Films (1964–1979)
IV. Spouses (1964–1979)
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Noonan’s blend of scholarly analysis and personal narrative is part of what makes Gender in Science Fiction Films such a worthwhile read. She knows and loves her topic...an indispensable addition.... Noonan’s professional qualifications, spot-on analytics, and engaging literary voice make her book stand out in a flotilla of recently published books on science fiction and film...invaluable...it fills a gap...nearly any science fiction aficionado would find this book a treat”—Film Matters.

From the Publisher