
Existential Science Fiction
Ryan Lizardi(Author)
Lexington Books (Publisher)
Published on 5. January 2022
Book
Hardback
170 pages
978-1-7936-4735-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book explores contemporary existential science fiction media, including film, television, and video games, and their influence on society's conceptions of memory, identity, and humanity. Most poignantly, Ryan Lizardi argues, are the ways in which a recent cluster of science fiction media, including Gravity (2013), Interstellar (2014), Legion (2017-2019), Westworld (2016-present), SOMA (2015), and Death Stranding (2019), among others, present a vision of the future that is inextricably tied to an exploration of humanity that is more contemplative and comparative than traditional science fiction. The combination of the existential nature of this current trend in science fiction with the genre's ability to manifest these abstract concepts in a generic environment that is historically focused on new frontiers and ideas creates a powerful set of media texts that ask audiences to contemplate what it means to exist, think, and connect as human beings. Scholars of media studies, film studies, television studies, genre studies, and philosophy will find this book particularly useful.
Reviews / Votes
A scholar of digital media and humanities, Lizardi distinguishes existential science fiction from existentialism in science fiction. Though he engages with existentialist philosophers, the emphasis is on narratives highlighting broad questions of human existence and identity rather than conflict with antagonists.... [T]he author is convincing in arguing that media have increasingly explored existential questions. Recommended... Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; graduate students. * Choice Reviews * While contemporary science fiction media is often criticized for privileging digital effects over story, Ryan Lizardi demonstrates that sublime images are not the enemy of complex ideas. The thoughtful analyses in Existential Science Fiction reveal a new Golden Age of films, shows, and games that explore both outer and inner space. -- Bradley Schauer, University of ArizonaMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
4 b/w photos;
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
406 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7936-4735-1 (9781793647351)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ryan Lizardi
Existential Science Fiction
E-Book
01/2022
1st Edition
Lexington Books
€33.49
Available for download
Person
Ryan Lizardi is associate professor of digital media and humanities at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Content
Preface
Chapter 1: Early Existential Science Fiction
Chapter 2: Modern Existential Science Fiction
Chapter 3: Gravity, Ad Astra, and Generational Connections
Chapter 4: Interstellar, Arrival, and Continuity of Identity
Chapter 5: Annihilation and Refraction of Identity
Chapter 6: Legion and Fractured Identity
Chapter 7: Westworld and the Embellished Remake
Chapter 8: Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, and Alternative Histories
Chapter 9: Interactive Existential Science Fiction
Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
About the Author
Chapter 1: Early Existential Science Fiction
Chapter 2: Modern Existential Science Fiction
Chapter 3: Gravity, Ad Astra, and Generational Connections
Chapter 4: Interstellar, Arrival, and Continuity of Identity
Chapter 5: Annihilation and Refraction of Identity
Chapter 6: Legion and Fractured Identity
Chapter 7: Westworld and the Embellished Remake
Chapter 8: Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, and Alternative Histories
Chapter 9: Interactive Existential Science Fiction
Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
About the Author