Science fiction cinematography is a genre in which, because of its characteristics, sound acquires a fundamental importance. Narrative themes related to technology, the creation of imaginary places, and the presence of fantastic objects, machines, and equipment make sound a relevant element in the understanding and spectacle of this genre.
In the science fiction genre, sound becomes a central element whose functionality can be articulated both in the more specifically musical dimension (music built on sound) and in the dimension related to sound design. Regarding the latter dimension, the functionalities and strategies related to different sound categories are analyzed: environmental sounds, sounds of objects and machines, and physiological sounds.
The lecture examines the main science fiction films from the 1930s onward in which sound plays a fundamental role; from the use of wind sounds to symbolize the arrival of a comet in La Fin du Monde (1931), to the hierarchical and complex sound world of the Star Wars saga (1977-2005); from the electronic music of Forbidden Planet (1956) to the music built on sound in Arrival (2016).
In addition to highlighting the different strategies due to the evolution of sound technology, some constants in the narrative use of sound within this film genre are identified.
Apostolos Loufopoulos, Lelio Camilleri
See also: https://avarts.ionio.gr/festival/2025/en/events/650
AKOYSMATA Page: https://avarts.ionio.gr/festival/2025/en/akoysmata/
