Movies for hardcore sci-fi geeks

x2791258

Oh, thank god you posted your e-mail on a public forum... We're so glad to know it! And I bet you're so glad for all the spam you'll probably get. Really good idea mate.

Ivan Seeking

Rollerball was iconic and had a cult following. It wasn't the quality of the movie but the message it carried to a generation that had grown up with the cold war and the notion of big brother. You left out the idea that the game replaced war. That sounded like a pretty good idea to a kid who had grown up with monthly air raid drills all while knowing that a real attack meant certain death.

Darwin123

I liked "A Scanner Darkly" a great deal. However, I think it had one fantasy elements that disqualify it as a "hard" science fiction story.

The main fantasy device was that disguise they use which adiabatically changes the appearance of the person is wearing it. The appearance changes slowly and continuously. At no point is the change abrupt enough to be seen as a change. However, enough change accumulates so no one can remember the original appearance of the disguise. The total effect depersonalizes the person who wears it, so he is thought of as inconsequential.

The symbolism behind the device was both chilling and sad. However, I don't see any science that would allow such a device to be made. Furthermore, I was not convinced of the psychology behind the effect. The cartoon showed the amorphous device changing. However, it was very noticeable. One would see such a disguise in real life. Therefore, the science wasn't realistic.

Or maybe not. Are there any real world analogs to this slowly changing disguise?

brenan

I dont think the speed is an issue but when looking at "hard" science fiction the test I normally apply is
1. is it possible? Dragons could be bio-enginnered but actual "magic" wands cannot be made
2. is it feasible given the current state of knowledge - canals on mars are no longer so but were once -science fiction turns to fantasy
3. Is it ruled out by current knowledge as lacking evidence but with blind acceptance by cranks - see dianetics - UFO(in sacuer guise) chasers and "druids"

We have disguises now in the form or realistic masks and make-up and materials that
"self heal" when damaged are recent creations so its not too hard to extrapolate that sort
of thing could be very functional say 500 years from now. It doesnt have to be electronics based (but it could be - BAE systems unveiled a neat method of hiding tanks about 18 months ago - extrapolate that tech 500 years...)

Is it possible as portrayed - yes I'd say so - but unlikely in my lifetime.

The book was typically Phil. Dick and I loved it.
The movie I thought was pathetic.