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Sci-fi's shaping role of television during it's Golden Age
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Godzilla (1954 Film)
Originating from Japan, the film acted as a metaphor for the damage and rebuilding the country faced at the time. It would gain popularity in the United States quickly though and showed just how dynamic and everlasting a film could be as it expanded into other digital and text forms such as comics, video games, and tv shows. It is the longest-running film franchise in history and set the stage for many sci-fi films and shows to come. -
Forbidden Planet (1956 Film)
This American-made science fiction film was groundbreaking for its time. For its usage and advancements in special effects, it would receive an Academy Award, while also being recognized for it's script's intelligence. It also featured the first-ever all-electronic musical score in a film. The film put the capabilities and effectiveness of special effects on display and acted as an influence on other genres of film and television on just how effective the usage of these effects could be. -
Twilight Zone (1959 TV Show)
A mix of horror, sci-fi, drama, and comedy, this Sci-Fi series differentiated from others and was able to incorporate a more realistic scare factor that evolved away from giant monsters, aliens, and robots. Creator Rod Serling "believed in the power of storytelling to shape the minds of viewers, and saw television as a great opportunity, not to enslave, but to liberate." It is a great example of early experimentation with TV and its psychological and influential powers on the human mind. -
Lost In Space (1965 TV Show)
This classic Sci-Fi TV show from the 60's was a great example of how to draw in audiences of all ages, resulting in a massive turn out of viewers each week. It was able to do this because of the family aspect that it drew upon, pulling in viewers each week that "wanted to be a part of the Robinson family." Although it was just a sci-fi show, it was exemplary in the way that it used some new character development techniques, while also displaying evolving technology and situations. -
Star Trek (1966 TV Show)
Star Trek was one of the first TV shows to have an extremely devoted fan base with a "cult following." It would influence decades of sci-fi television to come and reshape television forever. It would be one of the first shows to display a multicultural and multiracial cast while also showing one of the first interracial kisses on TV ever. Through syndication, and its diehard fan base, it would ultimately become more popular and successful post-cancellation. Highly influential and successful TV. -
Synopsis
Sci-fi had many great shaping moments in television's Golden Age. Iconic and everlasting characters, amazing use and advancements of special effects, powerful audience capture, positive character portrayal involving different cultures and races, interracial relationships, and all electronic music scoring are just a few of Sci-Fi's Golden Age highlights. Sci-fi played its part in changing the visual landscape at that time while also changing the visual landscape of the future.