Sci-fi...

How does 'A scanner darkly' relate to science fiction?
(RESPONSE TO A SCANNER DARKLY, NOT A DISCUSSION THREAD QUESTION)

'A scanner darkly', directed by Richard Linklater is based on the novel by Philip. K Dick and falls into the science fiction category quite well. The ideas represented in this novel/film are those of which are seemingly believable. Firstly, how do we define science fiction? "Science fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future. It is important to note that science fiction has a relationship with the principles of science—these stories involve partially true-partially fictitious laws or theories of science. It should not be completely unbelievable, because it then ventures into the genre fantasy." (ReadWriteThink, 2005) This statement ties in well and provides an accurate summary of what 'A Scanner darkly' connects with, for example science and technology.

In the film there are 'scrambler suits' which disguise people by changing their appearance to show numerous different people. The suits also change the individuals voice, making it impossible for others to know their real identity. There is also an addictive drug named substance D which is responsible for causing people to go insane, and whilst the 'law enforcement' is against it they offer it to their undercover cops which has a devastating effect on one in the end.

'A scanner darkly' presents a dark world with suspicion, there is no trust and there is a reoccurring theme that shows someone is watching. This is seen with the security cameras that are everywhere and there is an all knowing presence where people have to be cautious with what they say and do.

Though these themes may seem far fetched, they present to us a possibility of what our future may look like, and this is the main definition of science fiction. As technology improves there is no limiting what may happen and 'scrambler suits' or 'people watching others' may definitely become true as technology advances. As we see in the film the law enforcement is corrupt and this presents the audience with a question "what will we do if our world becomes like this?" For an audience films like this create fear as we realise we might be helpless one day as there is no trust and because there have been events in the past where higher places of power have been found to be corrupt the ideas seem realistic.

This is why 'A scanner darkly' fits well in the sci-fi genre. It is believable and presents themes that are known to have happened on a lesser scale. In some way sci-fi films are just a representation of our possible future.

References:

ReadWriteThink. (2005). Definition of Science Fiction. Retrieved from http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson927/SciFiDefinition.pdf