Susan Sontag Invaders

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Susan Sontag then goes on to write about the destruction that is placed with in science fiction films. She says, “Science fiction films are not about science they are about disaster, which is one of the oldest subjects of art. Science fiction is concerned with the aesthetics of destruction, with the peculiar beauties to be found in wreaking havoc, making a mess.” Destruction is seen in both of the science fiction films, Invaders from Mars and E.T. The destruction in Invaders From Mars comes from the military when they begin bombing the whole that the aliens are in. The destruction is the climax of the film, leading into the aliens hiding spot to defeat them. Although destruction is a word meaning disaster in this case the audience can view it as the humans trying to overcome the powers of the aliens. There is a calming sense within the destruction. In the film, E.T., the destruction comes from the children trying to help get E.T. back to his family. They escape from the scientist and the police, destroying their neighborhood and the scientists closed in protector they set up around Elliot’s house. The destruction is what led E.T. back to his home, just like the destruction in Invaders to Mars it had a calming sense for the humans to win. …show more content…

Sontag believes that this plays a very specific role in science fiction. “A greater range of ethical values is embodied in the décor of these films than in the people. Things, rather than the helpless humans, are the locus of values because we experience them, rather than people, as the sources of power.” This is proven in the film E.T. The ability to lift the bikes of the ground relates to the childlike audience. Every child at one point wishes they can fly. His glowing heart and finger connect with the audience’s softer side, being able to understand

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