'There are things man should never experiment with'. These words are still stuck in my head, thanks to The Fly. The film has succeeded in leaving its stamp on me. I have seen other movies with similar plotlines, but the fact that The Fly was created during the 1950s somehow gives it a sense of originality. Surely, this film deserves being called a classic.
I like how the movie started with the aftermath, rather than the main event itself. By doing so, it left the audience clouded in an air of mystery, which made them unable to tear their eyes away from the screen until their curiosities were fed. It was a thrilling ride.
It is sad though, heartbreaking even, that in this film, a man's life was destroyed because of Science. The Fly portrayed Science as something highly dangerous, it tells us that the conduct of science is no joke and that the possible consequences of even the slightest mistake could very well be deadly. But at the same time, it only made me appreciate scientists more. The movie made me realize how much these people are willing to sacrifice for the sake of discovering or inventing things that will benefit mankind.
Would I consider this morality play? Yes. I think the film wanted to tell its viewers that the search for truth still has its limits. That there are lines that must not be crossed. A person is NOT a god and should never play god. Lives -whether it be animals', or humans', or even insects'- are sacred. And sacred things are not something mere humans have the right to experiment with.
Truly, there are things man should never experiment with.
Catherine Valera
2013-64970
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Reaction Paper: The Fly | Bounds and Limits
A bit corny at first, given the fact it was made more than 50 years ago, but still, it gradually captured the viewers' interests. The Fly basically tells the story of Andre and his unfortunate experience on a quest for a scientific breakthrough. The film started off with Helen standing beside a hydraulic press which crushed the head and arm of her husband, Andre. The plot was constructed in such a way that the viewers would constantly question why things are, leaving them awaiting for the scenes the flashback has to offer. Overall, the movie was a worthwhile escapade.
Everything has its own limitations, even science itself. It governs a vast realm, but it also has its borders. Andre unwarily stepped out of the borderline, causing him to suffer a tragic fate. His "playing god" was consistently insinuated throughout the film, making it a sort of a morality play. Scientists must know their boundaries and limits, that they can only do so much. Even though they commit for the betterment of the society, scientists, still, must not compromise the life of any living thing.
In this film, it can be seen how the people back then in the 1950s would risk anything, even their own lives, in the name of science. It was fascinating how Andre had thought of a "teleportation" device as a mechanism to change the world. Although he was unsuccessful, I would like to commend his motive of advancing the human civilization. Nowadays, scientists are still doing the same; though some are just doing that to acquire power over others.
Again, everything has its bounds. Even infinity has its limits.
Jennylyn S. Cancejo
2013-45570
STS THX
The Man-Fly
Flies are usually killed and smashed and crushed
into pieces, for they are pests that bother people. In this film, it is not
just inconvenience that the fly brought, but destruction. This pest destroyed a
family, a livelihood, an invention and an intelligent man. This just proves
that as humans, scientists tend to fail in perfecting their machines. Moreover,
nature can easily intervene with technology. It is very interesting to watch
this film, but definitely not entertaining. It is interesting since it tackles
the difficulties a scientist face of striking the balance between being a
professional and a husband. Also, it emphasizes the possible effects of dealing
with technology, and it questions the dignity of a half-man half-pest. However,
watching a handsome man turn into a half-fly is quite disturbing and seeing his
wife kill him adds to the horror; therefore, it is not entertaining in any way.
I
would consider it a morality play, since in the end it leaves you with the
question: is it right or is it wrong? Is it okay to kill a mutation of a fly
and a human? In my opinion, it is wrong since the mutated man still has a mind
of his own and not that of a fly; therefore, being in the nature of a man, he
decided to be altruistic. By killing ‘the thing’ you are already killing a man
and a fly concurrently.
This brings us to the
conclusion that it is possible that the people in 1950s are terrified of the
dangers that technology might bring. It reflects science and technology through
the invention of the ‘teleporter’ to bring convenience to the society, yet
caused destruction primarily to the family, then to the society itself.
It's a bird, it's a plane! No, it's The Fly!
Ah the Fly, truly a masterpiece of
a movie. With its suspense driven action, even today it manages to scare and
disgust the audience with its gruesome depiction of the consequences of the
misuse of science. For the time, it could be considered to be quite a
progressive film. Taking place during the late 1950’s during the Cold War
between Russia and the United States, it brings to light the rather reckless
and headstrong approach many scientists of the time took to searching for the
next big scientific breakthrough. Risks are taken and hardly heeded, for it was
a time of great scientific progression, with the technological and arms race
being fought by the world’s two great superpowers at the time, everyone was
always looking forward to having the best that science could offer.
The question then lies for the
film, “To what extent would one be willing to go in the pursuit of scientific
advancement?” Added to that would be, how much was one willing to pay for the
price of progression. These two dilemmas are the constant theme of the Fly and
it could not have pulled it off better. The two sides of the argument,
represented by the wife’s conservative nature and the husband’s passionate
drive for truth and advancement, present a representative for the each of the many
sectors of the population who hold the same belief. In essence, it is very akin
to that of a medieval morality play, with each character signifying a
particular trait or idea that a certain sector of people have. Of course, one
cannot forget the signature character of the movie, the titular Fly itself
whose unseen interaction caused the grand scheme of the movie’s conflict. The
fly itself can be seen to represent the unforeseen circumstances that often are
disregarded by those in the pursuit of scientific knowledge due to their
diehard passion. Sometimes, the film seems to point out, there are variables in
science that cannot be controlled.
All in all, it is an incredibly
entertaining film and a testament of its value can be seen in how even today
those who watch it still scream in disgust as they witness the transformation
of man’s actions in blind, impulsive pursuit of the truth. It is completely
unreal, but despite all the little noticeable gripes that may come with it, it
makes up for it in its sheer charm of character and amazing presentation. Those
in pursuit of knowledge better take yield and learn a lesson or two as the
consequences of one’s actions, no matter how noble they may be, may just come
back to bite them.
The Fly Reaction Paper - What The Fly!
I only have three letters to
describe the film, The Fly. These are WTF. This movie is the most disgusting,
head-aching, yet interesting science-fiction movie I have ever watched. It is a
tragic love story about a scientist accidentally turning into a half-fly, which
lead to his wife killing him.
To be honest, the movie was very entertaining. One
factor is the effects that they used for the film. Because the movie was a 1958
film, the costume that they used for the half-fly was very funny. It looked
like an alien with big eyes. Another factor is the element of romance included
in the movie. Even though the scientist was already a fly, he still expressed
his love for his wife, which made the film touching. However the scientist, who
was already a fly, even tried to kiss his wife, which made everyone in the room
laugh and feel disgusted.
The main lesson of The Fly gyrates around the idea of
scientists improving their inventions by testing it on live organisms and themselves.
The film aims to make the viewer realize that life is not just something that
we can experiment on. Not just because animals exist, we can already do
whatever we want to them. It also means that we should be careful about the
things that we try, especially to ourselves, because life is not just
something, it is everything.
The film reflects how the society, during the 1950s,
see technology as something that only scientists can understand. It also shows
that during that decade, and I think until now, people do not believe on the
possible effects of science and technology until they see it with their naked
eyes.
Ragaza, Marco Paulo P.
2013-59623
The Fly: Reaction Paper
Although most of today’s science
fiction movies involve a man turning into a mad scientist, the movie is still generally
entertaining in a sense that it gives us an old yet accepted idea that people
with quest for knowledge have the tendency
of becoming an evil person. The film illustrates the idea using a somewhat
silly plot which makes it not only an eye-opener but also comical.
Digesting
the substance of the movie, it is clearly a commentary on scientists,
particularly the scope and limitations of science. Depicting a guy who invented something
mystical as a victim of his own discovery, the film has the central idea of
showing us the possible evil potential of science when used incorrectly. For an
example, exchanging the some body parts of human with a fly possesses a
possible threat in our world for the reason that it can produce an organism
capable of eradicating human race. Such scientific process is a morality play
which should be forbidden alongside the creation of clones and other methodologies
with ethical issues.
Al Francis Masallo
2013-10197
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Reaction Paper on The Fly
At first, the
film came off as comical. The scenes felt a bit off and nothing seems to make
sense, especially the part where the main character kept obsessing with the
flies. By the time she started narrating about her husband’s tragic story, the
film became interesting. The plot was somehow familiar since there are other
modern films with the same story. The only difference is having it in the 1950s
which gave a feeling of authenticity and in turn made it more entertaining.
From start to
finish, the film seems to tell people that there is a need to draw a line in
Science. Scientists must not strive to achieve something if it meant harming
anything or anyone, even the smallest creature alive. Lines that keep drilling
the thought of “people should never play God” in the audience, it can be
considered a morality play. Being filmed in the 1958, the view on Science and
Technology during the 1950s is not as different as it is today. There may be
much technological advancement now but we are all still tied by ethics and the
need to consider everyone’s situations.
The best part
would be the ending. Francois, brother of Al, explained to Al’s son why Al
died. “The search for the truth” killed his brother. It struck me the most
because I agree that he had done “the most dangerous act to humanity, but also
the most beneficial.” I wonder how many scientists did what Al had done: died
with the knowledge that they gained, deeming it as “too dangerous.”
Somehow, the
film may be telling us one last lesson: There are things in this world that we
human beings are not meant to find out.
BALIGNASA,
Catherine S.
2013-19732
Section: THX
Irony of the Fly
The science
fiction horror film, The Fly, has
succeeded in catching the interest and curiosity of the viewers because it
started with the mystery behind a wife killing her own husband and purposely
admitting this crime. The connection of the fly to the said mystery was also
thought-provoking throughout the movie and was brought to light with the revelation
of the mind-boggling experiment mishap.
With
Andre’s disintegrator-integrator device misfortune, the film comments on how
scientists should know their limitations in exploring possibilities and
conducting experiments. Also, the film puts an emphasis in the value of life and
playing false god as points in morality play. All organisms, from the smallest
rodents the highest form of animals, the humans, are important and must not be
experimented with. Though with a good
motive in helping with the advancements and progress of the human civilization,
scientists must think better of the parameters they would go to satisfy their
thirst for knowledge of the truth behind every prospect.
The
film also reflects the views on what was happening during the 1950s with the
medical, nuclear power and spacecraft developments. The century brought about
scientific and technological breakthroughs which help the people up to the
present but not without a great price. Experiments were done with live human patients
for medical innovations, natural resources depleted as countries test the
abilities of nuclear power, and funds wasted in supporting the space race
between governments. Sad to say, people think of their own leisure and
convenience before the other’s welfare. With this, it seems like people created
a monster within themselves which is worse than the physical monstrosity seen
with Andre in his unfortunate venture.
You are
human not a god, after all. Know your limitations for always, the higher you fly,
the harder you fall.
Karla L. Soliman
2013-09067
THX
Karla L. Soliman
2013-09067
THX
Monday, December 9, 2013
Reaction Paper: The Fly (1958)
Cheers to "The Fly" for its very good story line. Indeed this movie is one of the most entertaining movies i have ever seen. The thrill and suspense still lingers in me for this movie really took my curiosity in active mode. What made it more interesting is the events that took the viewers off guard. Personally, i didn't expect that the movie would have that kind of story and i think that made me like it more. It's not boring and more importantly its educational.
Science and technology displayed a very huge part for this movie to be possible. For one, the movie is on its focus on science in which the story sprouted. Scientists are highly regarded and science is of a main subject. In some way, i think the movie is some kind of a morality play for the main characters have personified abstract qualities. Also, a lesson was presented in the movie about good conduct and character that made it more of a morality play. Though, i liked it more that way because it showed how science is of useful and important to us and how it makes our lives easier, and at the same time can destroy us if we go beyond our limits.
Though, science in a way became a failure in the movie, still i would like to commend how science and technology in the 1950s evolved through time. Of course, its no match in the technology of today but still it's amazing. And besides, without these pioneering technology, everyone would have not thought of creating something more of these "gadgets|" we currently have that became a very important part of our modern life to survive. What's more interesting is that they already have this concept or idea of "teleportation" which is of far futuristic idealism.
Jessa Ann F. Belderol
2013-26908
Section: THX
The Fly: A Great Leap in Science and Technology
The Fly is really an entertaining and interesting film to watch out for. It is a combination of romance, suspense, and drama. Though it is 1958 film, I insist that the graphics is way to good for an old film. I am surprised to know that it is created in 1958 for I think that it is created by late 2000's for the graphics is very good.Its commentary on Scientists is that it creates an image of a really persevere Scientist and ready to sacrifice his life just to prove that his invention is really good. And for the conduct of Science, is way to good and seems that even in the past time, teleporting machines are already existing in the minds of inventors. They are already finding a more comfortable and easier way of transportation for human. I consider this as a morality play because it shows the virtue of perseverance and hard-work by means of the Scientist and love and concern for his wife.
The view on Science and Technology during 1950's has been so good that it already reached the point that they are already experimenting on teleportationthru the disintegration of matter in space.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire
Catching Fire is the second part of the of "The Hunger Games Trilogy" and set in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem. There's such an annual competition among twenty-four young men of the twelve districts of Panem who should fight with each other until one man is left alive and can be considered as a victor. And one of the twenty-four victors before the third occurrence of the "Quarter Quell" was Katniss Everdeen who shall start the revolt against the Capitol.
We can consider this as a Science fiction for the technology in this story is too much hyped and yet to be seen in the present times. The too much advancement of the technology in this sequel is all because of man's need to survive the rapidly changing world and society. The tools are not so much distant from the technology we have nowadays.
Catching Fire is a commentary on the past, present and the future. It is a commentary on the past for it shows the attitude of our ancestors which is to adapt with the changes in nature in able to survive. They created tools which helped them in their way of living. In addition, it also mirrored the ancient civilization in Rome because of the competition. It is most likely similar with the Gladiators who fought in the arena just to give entertainment to the audience and rulers of the Roman Empire, its just that in Hunger Games, the competitors are equipped with modernized or most likely to say advanced technological weapons. It is a commentary on the present times cause it shows the spirit of the people to transpire change in the society like what Katniss had done which ignited the spirits of her countrymen though they came from different districts of Panem. And lastly, it is a commentary on the future because of the advancement of technology which is a result of the unending desire of man for a comfortable lifestyle.
Science and technology failed in the movie for it is used in the bad way instead for the betterment of the lives of the people of Panem. They used their advance technology to kill the lives of those who are defeated in the game.
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire | A Crooked System
Catching Fire, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy written by Suzanne Collins, skyrocketed in the box office; even surpassing its predecessor and other blockbuster movies. The film begins as Katniss Everdeen, along with fellow victor Peeta Mellark, comes home safe after winning in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. As they embark on their Victors' Tour, the spirit of rebellion kindles in the people of the districts. President Snow, astute as he is, then prepares the Quarter Quell, the 75th Annual Hunger Games, to get rid of the districts' Mocking Jay.
Panem, the setting, exists in a dystopian future which makes the movie sci-fi by default. Science Fiction, basically, is based on imagined future scientific or technological advances (as stated in the Oxford dictionary). Unlike other sci-fi movies (e.g. Avatar, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Catching Fire has made every element more realistic in such a way that you could envision it might happen hereafter. The technologies mounted in the film appear to be quite similar, conceivably just a few years ahead to what we already have today. Some of which are the force fields enclosing the battle arena, the hovercrafts sending the tributes to the games, the high-speed Capitol trains travelling at around 250 miles per hour, and the sophisticated control center manipulating the games.
By all odds, the storyline depicts what transpires in the society at present. The situation of the people both in the Capitol and the districts is somehow similar to the situations today; the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Discrimination and social imbalance exists. The people living in the districts only serve as work forces to supply the luxuries of the lavish Capitol. Worse, these indigent people are being seen by the Capitol as mere objects of entertainment in the Hunger Games. Moreover, there are people like President Snow who abuse their power to gain more power. Just as what's happening in our government now, the leaders exploit the country's resources for selfish reasons. As a result, the whole system fails; the nation fails.
Despite its towering technological advancements, Panem still falls short of attaining success. First, science and technology are mainly used for the betterment of the Capitol and its people, the "rich". They make use of the resources in the 12 districts giving them only little in return. This just proves that they have no sense of a humane society. The Hunger Games, the boundaries among the districts, and extreme poverty are just few evidences that their society is flawed. As long as science and technology are not used for the common good, Panem would remain an awry, glitched up human civilization.
Jennylyn S. Cancejo
2013-45570
STS THX
Interwoven Odds
‘Panem
today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever’
-Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
-Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Established
on a post-apocalyptic country of Panem, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is
considered a science fiction. This film- including its prequel, The Hunger
Games- features scientific and technological advancements yet to be seen in our
present society. Moreover, the division and specific work designation of the people
as presented in the districts and the capitol is a drastic modification of what
we know and do today.
However, Catching
Fire also shows similarities and connections of the society’s imagined future,
the known present and the forgotten past, making it a good commentary. These similarities
focus largely on the formation of the society. Every civilization starts with people
living and working together to survive. After ensuring a desirable habitat, they
build their settlements. The social hierarchy then is evidently put up based on
standards set by the society itself. The leaders, the influential and the rich dominate
the top of this social pyramid working its way down to the workers, the slaves
and the poor at its base. The members of the society at some time lose their
confidence and trust with their government may it be because of injustices,
insensitivity to the needs of its citizens, and disrespect to their rights and freedom.
As an effect, people display resistance bringing the system crumbling which leads
to the formation of a new order.
Another
connection the film made to the past and the present is the dependence on science
and technology. It cannot be denied that both science and technology are vital
in the progress of any civilization. Yet, they also bring out the worst of
human nature. Panem has succeeded in maximizing the utilization and application
of science and technology, making everything possible and within grasp, though
for only a selected few like those in the capitol and the victors from the
districts. In the world of the Hunger Games, the people from capitol take
everything for granted and lives are for their entertainment and very disposable.
On the other hand, the district people strive to do their assigned tasks and
barely get food into their empty stomachs in able to survive every day.
As a
manifestation of this inequality and selfishness, Panem holds the Hunger Games
annually. The Games force two representatives from each district to fight his
and her co-citizens for him or her to be hailed a victor and go home alive.
Reflecting on this, it can be said that ‘the odds are never in their favor’ as an irony to the games’ ceremonial greeting.
In this case between the capitol and the
districts, science and technology fails to improve the way of life of the
people and consequently, the society.
What happens
in the present has occurred in the past and may be repeated in the future. There
is one thing I’m sure of though, the odds of weaving the society with
advancements in science and technology are still in our hands.
Karla L. Soliman
2013-09067
THX
2013-09067
THX
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire - A System Destined to Fall
With the release of the film of the next installment of the
Hunger Games Trilogy, Catching Fire, we are again invited into the utterly
dystopian world of Panem. The Hunger Games has always revolved around the themes
of poverty, survival in an oppressive system and morality in such dire
circumstances. Now, I believe that a world with such complexity as this
deserves quite the observation and such will be the goal of this short piece.
To begin,
it would be beneficial to start with an overall picture of the universe as a
whole, so that we may then dissect the finer, minute intricacies that lie within.
The Hunger Games is a work of science fiction, but not too far from our own
experiences. On shallow terms it possesses the same tropes we all know and love
such as the presence of highly advanced technology and the fact that its
timeline is centered on the not too distant future; a future that, although
dotted with great advances in technology and science, has also fallen into
desperation with the advent of war and rebellion. The technologically superior
capital of this region finds it has no choice but to enforce a state of harsh,
iron-fisted governance over the lands to ensure such a catastrophe can no
longer happen again. Thus, the surrounding districts of Panem are thrust into
an agonizing state of depression so bad that the people are forced to resort
back to primitive forms of living just to survive.
The
philosopher Plato conceptualized the image of the ideal state in his writings
and in it he prioritized, above all else, the attainment of justice within the
society. And in it he conceptualizes a state containing many of the features
that are also present within Panem. One of which is the division of classes
with each performing a specialized duty, like that of each of the districts,
that falls in line with that class. Each person does what he or she is supposed
to do, for the benefit and good of the entire state. Censorship and the
silencing of individuality for community are also major features of this ideal
state. So then that would mean that the state of Panem must be following
something along the right lines, considering it possesses many of these,
correct? Unfortunately, as we know, this is far from the truth. The problem
lies in the system of governance used by the leaders of this region of Panem.
Though it does enforce a division of class and specialization, the elites of
the region hardly do anything nothing more than waste and squander the
resources of the population. Whilst, on the other side, those part of the
twelve districts are merely forced to work within the confines of their own
district, with no chance of ever attaining more.
This brings to light the utter
irony of the nature of the society in Panem. Along with the advancement of
technology and science in the world, it created a society of greed amplified
more so by the scarcity of resources. Could this be the future we see ourselves
in? Well, only time can tell.
Migs Racadio
2013-59621
STS THX
2013-59621
STS THX
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire - A Parallel World That We Should Avoid
Catching Fire is the sequel of the film The Hunger Games. It
tells the story of how the Capitol, the nation’s ruling city, controls the very
poor districts of Panem by annually holding the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games
is an event where 24 teenagers, a pair from each district, are sent in an arena
to fight and kill each other. The last man standing will be called the victor
and will be able to live in prosperity and comfort.
For me,
this film is not science fiction. It is more of a dystopia. According to
Gutenberg.org, a science fiction is a “…genre of fiction in which the narrative world differs from our own
present or historical reality…” Yes, the film might include
high-tech computer-controlled arenas, but the “narrative world” is still the
same as ours. The same in the way that there are still ruling classes. The people
in poverty are still being oppressed by the powerful. For me, the technological
advancements that they have in the Capitol are just props to make the story
interesting, but the main plot revolves around a dystopian society.
Catching
Fire is also an interpretation of the reality, its past, present and future. The
storyline contains the elements of discrimination, power-tripping, great
economic gap, rebellion, and survival of
the fittest. In our history, we can see how empires and kingdoms rule their
respective territories, the same as the capitol ruling its districts. We can
also see from our past that there is always the element of discrimination among
the different classes of society, which we can still see up until the present.
Today, we can still see poor people everywhere, some people who kill, steal and
commit crimes just to be able to eat at least once a day. This proves the
economic gap that our society has. Finally, as time progresses, technology will
become more advanced. However, same as Catching Fire, no matter how advanced a
society is, as long as there are ruling classes, there will always be people
who are living in poverty and darkness.
The
success of science, technology and society (STS) in Panem can be seen through
the various products that each district produces. In the world of Panem, each
district produces a specific good for the capitol, such as luxury items from
District 1, grain from District 9 and coal from District 12. Science and
technology also succeeded in the Capitol because of its high-tech structures,
such as the computer-controlled Hunger Games arena. However, the failure of STS
can also be seen in the story because technology should be able to improve
people’s lives and to bridge the gap. However, it only improve the lives of the
wealthy people from the Capitol. Instead of bridging the gap, science and
technology, with the help of prosperous societies, only widened the economic, and
cultural gap between the upper and lower class in Panem.
2013-59623
Ragaza, Marco Paulo P.
STS THX
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire
Catching Fire
(2013) is the second in a quartet of film adaptations based on Suzanne Collins’
wildly popular The Hunger Games
trilogy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, and directed by
Francis Lawrence, it details the aftermath of the titular Hunger Games, which
are an annual competition wherein twenty-four young men and women from each of
the twelve Districts of Panem must fight each other to the death. Specifically,
it deals with the effects these Games have on the winners of the 74th
Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, and the subsequent build-up
into the 75th Hunger Games.
Although the genre of science fiction is often difficult
to define, I do think that this film falls well within that umbrella. Collins—
and, in translating her vision to the big screen, Lawrence— constructed a
fictional world wherein science and technology play essential roles in the
intersection of characters and their environments. The additions Collins made
are similar enough to our own era’s that the difference is not too jarring, but
they are nonetheless beyond our present technological capabilities: the
high-speed, fully-equipped bullet trains connecting each district to the
Capitol, the literally incendiary costumes designed by Cinna, the hovercrafts
lifting tributes to and from the Games, and the Arena itself, are all examples
of the technology essential to both plot and character arcs, and which in
addition enrich the fictional landscape of the film.
The narrative itself is a clear commentary on present
human society. The country of Panem is a dystopian future with clearly defined
hierarchies. All twelve Districts are simply producers and manufacturers,
providing the opulent Capitol with food, luxury goods, and entertainment in the
form of tributes. As a metaphor for the excesses of capitalism, it could
certainly do worse; indeed, there is something almost Marxist in Collins’
treatment of class and oppression within her work. Besides this treatise on
economic disparity, the series is also a critique of our obsession with reality
television and celebrity culture, which in the film literally dehumanizes the
young tributes by pitting them against each other as objects for the amusement
of Capitol citizens.
It is difficult to say whether the interaction between
science, technology, and society in this series can be counted as a success or
failure. If one looks at the technology within The Hunger Games as a means to an end, then certainly it is a
success; children are ferried to their deaths quickly and efficiently, and
their slaughter is broadcasted for absolutely everyone’s entertainment. As
human beings with empathy, however, this same technology is clearly horrifying
and aberrant, and for this part society is clearly at fault. Basically, the
moral behind Panem’s cautionary tale is clear: with the interrelationship of
science, technology, and society, what matters is temperance, not excess.
2011-02507
NARCISO, Luisa Mariel A.
STS THX
Reaction Paper Catching Fire
Hunger
Games tells the story of Panem (a country established in North America after
the near extinction of human race) and how the wealthy and advanced Capitol
takes control of the twelve poorer districts by an inhumane method known as the
Hunger Games. It is an annual event where each district is forced to send a boy
and a girl to participate a game wherein they need to kill the others to be
declared as a victor.
With
these things said, Catching Fire, the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy
of Suzanne Collins, is considered a science fiction for it gives the readers her
own prediction of our future. She illustrates the next age as an era where only
few people are left. She also assumes that people will be able to generate
future machineries capable of performing mass killings such as modern air craft,
high calibre bows that can shoot down an air plane, and mutts (mutations) which
are made in laboratories. There is also a force field that can prevent the
participants from escaping the arena and toss back everything you throw at it.
Following the trend of events we have – people being killed by super storms and
wars of different countries – Collins’s prophecy has actually a relatively high
chance of becoming true. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain if our world will
suffer exactly the same fate of Panem.
Whether
it is a commentary film about the past, present or future of human society, it
is clearly a story set in the distant future where humans have already the
strength of the gods because of their own arsenal of high-tech weapons. However, it also incorporates the basic livelihood
of early civilizations up to present third world countries. These are farming,
fishing, and mining. Moreover, if you analyze the book and movie, one will be
able to tell that its main theme has actually a touch of the past. Clearly, “Hunger
games” is actually a modern type of gladiator fights.
Going
back to the fictional world of Suzanne Collins and how science, particularly
technology, affected their society. It was clear that through science, people
can create machines that will help them in their daily activities by maximizing
physical effort and saving time such as wheels and levers. With the Capitol’s
advance knowledge in physics, mathematics, and other sciences, they were able
to survive the catastrophic incident that nearly finished the entire human
race. In this sense, technology was able to be a decisive tool that kept humans
alive. Without it, the survivors would not be able to regroup and establish a durable
shelter that would save them from harmful chemicals and radiation.
Unfortunately, it is also because of this technology that made the world
unbalanced. The disaster that caused massive killings before the story could be
because of a misuse of modern artillery. Finally, the new form of technology of
the Capitol eliminated the concept of humanity. Technology failed its purpose.
2013-10197
Al Francis Masallo
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire
Catching Fire is the
second novel of the series, Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. It is
classified as sci-fi, action, fantasy, adventure and dystopian. According to
Sterling (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013), “Science fiction, abbreviation SF or sci-fi, is a form of fiction that
deals principally with the impact of actual or imagined science upon
society or individuals”. The movie or book has passed these criteria of dealing
with fictional science in relation to society as it focuses mainly on the future
of technology being used for games or shall I say, Battle Royale kind of games.
Furthermore, it also presents its norm
as the Capitol having the authority over the 12 Districts by social and
political standards, hence making the audience evaluate the possible effects of
technology in relation to society.
It
reflects the society’s anomalies in the past, present and, most importantly,
the future in relation to the development of technology and, possibly,
politics. The present condition of the community Katniss Everdeen lives in may
suggest the future of the world in itself – the rich are becoming richer, and
the poor are becoming poorer. And so it seems that it is a commentary, a
satirical one if I may add, to the possible outcome of advanced technology when
it is improperly and savagely used. One example is the use of chemicals to
alter the behaviour of the digestive system in order to vomit the recently
digested food and intake other food available for consumption. Instead of
giving the food to the other districts in need, they feast and devour food up
to their own capacities, throw up, and then repeat the vicious cycle.
It may
also represent the history of the real world as it tackles the infamous issue
of racial discrimination, but in this case, ‘district’ discrimination, during
the 1800s. As Collins incorporated the districts being the source of the
Capitol’s production, this reminds everyone of the current situation of the
third world countries as the source of the raw materials, first world countries
produce.
Science,
Technology and Society failed in the world of the 13 districts since it has
produced in its imagined community, inequality. STS is supposed to cater to the
benefit of the human race for it to improve its standards as a whole, yet this
book or film promotes the destruction of its society; hence, making it unpalatable
to the audience who consider STS as an advantage.
Hesed Faith J. Marasigan
2013-15042STS-THX
Hesed Faith J. Marasigan
2013-15042STS-THX
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Reaction Paper: Catching Fire
The
movie "Catching Fire" is based on the 2nd book of the
trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. This film is categorized under
science fiction because it satisfies characteristics of such genre.
As by definition, Science Fiction is one of the genre of fiction in
which the stories often tell about science and technology of the
future. Meaning, it establishes a relationship to the principles of
science involving partially true fictitious laws/theories of science.
Also, texts that fall to such genre include human elements explaining
what effects, new discoveries, happenings, and scientific
developments will have on us in the future which are visible in the
movie. The setting of this movie also is unique as they only have 13
different districts which is another characteristic of a "sci-fic"
which deals with life on other worlds like mutants and that it gives
a futuristic vibe to the viewers. But the most precise reason for
this movie to be considered as a sci-fic is that, it comments on
important issues concerning our society.
For
the past centuries, war had been used to conquer countries
that would lead to one's declaration of power. Similarly, in the
movie "Catching Fire", the annual hunger games is equals
the war we all know. Instead
of power as their goal
in the past, each fight for their respective districts wanting to go
back alive
to their families. For the present time, "Catching Fire" is
of
parallel story
with our
own. In
our country, the government has
been somehow the dictator of our lives. Because
of its
selfish, evil objectives, we are suffering in poverty we don't
deserve. We
are too many and
there's only a bunch
them. Let
them hear our voices screaming our one goal, be
truly free.
And as
for the future, it is very visible in the movie that through some
time, our world will change into something similar as the setting in
the movie where high technology is of great deal to survive and that
the impossible will now be possible. Even
the games we play are
turned to a reality.
In
this film, hunger games can be compared as the 'survival of the
fittest' though I think it's more of the 'survival of the wittiest'.
As for science and technology, we all know that this can bring
advantages to our lives but at the same time disadvantages that cost
our lives. And for the 13 districts, I guess the presence of such
high technology is much of a bane to them because the capitol only
uses them for their own purposes. And in addition, the 13th district
used the loss of communication and such from the capitol to pave the
way for them to create and start a rebellious plan and action against
their dictators. And for this very reason, society have been a huge
part of the goal since what they really need now is of great amount
of man power moving against one enemy.
Jessa
Ann F. Belderol
2013-26908
Section:
THX
Reaction Paper on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Science
fiction, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "is a fiction that deals
with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or
having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component." Having said
that, the Hunger Games: Catching Fire is definitely a film under the science
fiction genre. The futuristic setting alone may explain the fiction part. The
imagined science that governs in the film definitely made an impact on the
people in Panem since if it were not for all of the new inventions and
state-of-the-art technologies, there would not be any device that could control
weather, create mutations (eg. “mutts”, tracker jackers, jabberjays etc.), make
forest fires, produce poisonous gases, and all others used in the games, there
will be no so-called “hunger games” and there will also be no plot in the whole
film. The indifference present in Panem , particularly the people in Capitol, can
be seen as an impact of the imagined science as well.
The
Hunger Games depicts all three (past, present, future) human society that it is
a bit amazing and terrifying all at the same time. First off, the film’s human
society may be likened with that of the strict caste system that is said to
have existed in the past. The people in the Capitol on top of the “food chain”,
the people in the 13 districts as freemen, or as free as they could be, and the
Avox as the untouchables who is at the bottom. The film may also warn us of the
kind of future we might get if we continuously let technology enslave us rather
than make it serve us. But the most terrifying of it all is how the film may be
talking about the human society right now. How many of us are willing to fight
to death our beliefs? Even Katniss Everdeen, who is the main character, had
trouble with that. She portrays many of us.
The kind of person who puts her family above all and would willingly bow
down and turn a blind eye to the people in power in order to have a peaceful
and safe life. Passivity becomes our friend. But the film also portrays the
humanity left in us. That whatever happens, there is still that single ray of
hope in all of us. It is up to us to decide whether we acknowledge it when the
time comes or abandon it and live a meaningless life.
The
13 districts have only a meager amount of technology that the Capitol has and
unfortunately, they are not as good. The fence that was supposed to be
electrified in district 12 may be an example of a failed kind of technology.
And yet there is a district that focuses on technology which is district 3. And
we all know how their tributes were so efficient in the hunger games,
particularly in the 75th Hunger Games.
Entertaining
and thrilling, the Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a must-watch.
Catherine S. Balignasa
2013-19732
Section: THX
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