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1. What are the common conventions of Sci-Fi films?
Millie Podmore
Firstly, some of the many common codes of convention in science fiction films
involve a plot twisting storyline that keeps the audience interested through out
the film. This usually includes time travelling which is the in the sequel “Back
to the future” where a teenage boy and scientist go back and forth in time to
save the present, the film gives the audience an insight of what the past must
have been like and if certain situations were to change, how it could impact
the future. Another technique used in many films is conflict between good and
evil which is seen in the famous sequel “Star Wars” which shows Jedi’s
protecting galaxies and civilization from being controlled by the dark side
leaded by Darth Vardar; with the use of futuristic weaponry and spaceships it
also builds tension and explosive action scenes.
Secondly, where the Sci-fi movie is set is a very important convention as it
creates a suspenseful atmosphere for the audience, for example in the film
“Gravity” the two main characters are located in space to do some scientific
research and the fact the film doesn’t use any sound affects because there is
no sound in space creates tension. Another example is the film “Alien” where
characters are targeted one by one by the terrifying alien but the fact they are
stuck in a spaceship signifies that in space no one can hear you scream.
In addition, in many sci-fi films there are many threats in films to keep the
audience hooked, just like in the film “War of the worlds” where is earth is
invaded by alien tripod fighting machines with death rays and by the end we
see the actual aliens with blood sucking tentacles. The fact that we don’t see
the Aliens till the very end creates a sense of the feeling of the end of the
world, the unknown and shock for the audience Because of the occasional
gore and violence.
Finally, some sci-fi films include well-known sound tracks like the movie “Star
wars with the orchestra opening title that is very well known and the theme

2. tune for the when the villains enter the scene, which the audience find heart
pounding. Sci-fi films also include eerie music when entering a new world or
electronic and synthesized sounds to give a futuristic setting.