Science fiction is a popular genre in many art forms that connects humans’ desire for knowledge with artists’ imagination of future society. Understanding the common tropes, iconography, and themes allows one to gain an understanding of what elements contribute to the unique experience science fiction provides. The appeal of such a pattern can be seen in “Before Arrival” by Joseph Qaqish. In this paper, the elements of science fiction that are displayed in the short scene will be analyzed.
The overall theme of this short is the potential of technology that is yet to be understood. A strange device of unknown nature is being studied by scientists through a complex, futuristic monitoring framework, while characters appear hesitant to approach it directly, implying a potential danger it presents (Qaqish, 2022). Viewers instantly recognize the genre through the manner of the scene’s narration of the story, which is focused on study. The core problem is connected to research, as it is apparent that there is no full comprehension of the event characters are observing.
The tropes support this direction, as the movie depicts researchers working on a technological marvel which is yet to be fully understood. Telotte (2009) explains that this genre often shows people “explaining in a rational manner” something that can be perceived as supernatural without this context (p. 14). The desire to understand the unexplored is another trope that is shown in this video. This trope aligns with the hesitation that characters express in their actions as they strive to remove the boundaries of what is known (Telotte, 2009). People desire to make a breakthrough and are willing to take risks for such an achievement.
The characters of this movie correlate with the common science fiction tropes. Two scientists are working on a project that concerns them for an undisclosed reason. Their emotions convey irritation and distress over the data they perceive on monitors. A glowing device that is apparently being studied is located just nearby, yet its comprehension obviously poses a challenge for the characters. The science fiction iconography in this short is displayed via data on the monitors, as well as through a device that is being studied by characters (Qaqish, 2022). This imagery is vital for conducting the nature of the setting in the video. Watson (2003) states that “futuristic technologies” are an essential part of science fiction (p. 194).
The style of this short also aligns with common tropes for this genre, as it depicts researchers working on a critical project. As characters sit in a dimly lit room, the attention of the audience is inevitably drawn toward the monitors (Qaqish, 2022). The author illustrates a science fiction narrative through an exposition that highlights a highly stressful environment. The movie leaves many details up for viewers’ imagination, allowing the producer to show enigmatic information that can not be deciphered by viewers without description.
In conclusion, this short contains many elements that tie it with the science fiction genre through both characters’ roles, their actions, emotions, and the futuristic devices they use and study. The way how characters interact with their environment is paramount for the audience’s involvement in the setting that is otherwise unknown and alien in its presentation. While technology is a vital part of this movie, the way people research it is also indicative of common tropes of this genre.
References
Qaqish, J. (2022). Before Arrival [Video]. Google Drive. Web.
Telotte, J. P. (2009). Science fiction film. Cambridge University Press.
Watson, P. (2003). Approaches to film genre – taxonomy/genericity/metaphor. In J. Nelmes (Ed.), An introduction to film studies (pp. 189-208). Taylor & Francis Group.