Science Fiction in the Brazilian Cinema: A Brief Overview

According to this author, Science fiction is distinguished by the narrative dominance or hegemony of a fictional 'novum' (novelty, innovation), validated by cognitive logic. (Suvin 1979: 63-64) It is also necessary to note that the films mentioned in this study are often hybrid works, ther...

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Published in:	Film international (Göteborg, Sweden) Sweden), 2008-04, Vol.6 (2), p.6-13
Main Author:	Suppia, Alfredo Luiz
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Actors Brazil Brazilian Cinema Brazilian New Cinema/Cinema Novo Chanchadas Comedies dramatic arts Ecological Dystopia Fantasy Fiction film genres Genre Huxley, Aldous (1894-1963) Motion pictures Nuclear power plants Science Fiction Science fiction & fantasy science fiction film Social criticism & satire Terrir
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Summary:	According to this author, Science fiction is distinguished by the narrative dominance or hegemony of a fictional 'novum' (novelty, innovation), validated by cognitive logic. (Suvin 1979: 63-64) It is also necessary to note that the films mentioned in this study are often hybrid works, thereby capable of being classified in genres other than science fiction. [...]the idea of genre herein considered is not that of pure genre (classical), but that of levels, combinations and/or blend of genres (romantic).1 Contrary to the United States of America and Europe, Brazil lacks tradition in science- fiction research and critique. According to Brazilian critic Jairo Ferreira (1986: 236), 'A science-fiction movie with no special or visual effects, Voracious Love is a rare example of cinema's inexhaustive power of poetic suggestions.' If I partially disagree with Adam Roberts when he states that science fiction is special effects, on the other hand I agree when he proposes that not only had the Industrial Revolution, but also the imperialist ideology prepared the ground for the development of science fiction (Roberts 2000: 63-67). [...]I would suggest that cultural obstacles reinforce the economic ones intervening against Brazilian science-fiction cinema, something already commented on by Elizabeth Ginway in her book Brazilian Science Fiction (2005).
ISSN:	1651-6826 2040-3801 2040-3801