Modern Society Is Far From Perfect, And Even Further From

Modern society is far from perfect, and even further from fair. This reality is perhaps why the portrayal of utopian worlds has captivated audiences for decades. This essay will attempt to examine the ways in which the concept of utopia has been portrayed on screen, notably within the genre of science fiction (SF). Prior to critically evaluating its links to film, we should start by defining utopia. Utopia is about how we would live and what kind of world we would live in if we could do just that. The construction of imaginary worlds, free from the difficulties that beset us in reality. (Levitas, 1990, P. 1) This summarising of utopia suggests clearly why it has been such a popular topic to explore in fantasy film. To better understand how†¦show more content†¦The film is therefore a positive commentary of utopia and displays a utopia as opposed to an ultimate dystopia. At the time of production, Modernism was influencing real world design. ‘Works of engineering were happily co-opted as manifestations of a kind of noble savagery compatible with twentieth-century styles of life.’ (Banham, 1989, P. 15). It is noteworthy that the design of the utopia endorses Modernist doctrines and its characteristics can be seen throughout the city. Demolition Man, directed by Marco Brambilla, offers a different take on the promise of utopia. Demolition Man opens to the setting of an anarchic and ruined Los Angeles in the year 1996, reductio ad absurdum the notion that American freedoms a la the second amendment will ultimately lead to the destruction of civilised society. The story then takes us to the transformed futuristic utopia of San Angeles in 2032. It is a city which reflects the ultimate typical utopian character; purity and cleanliness, aligned with social order and emotionless structure. A Dr Cocteau rules over this social order. His leadership has undertones of totalitarianism, the ‘ultimate essence [of which] being the subordination of the individual to an omnipotent state.’ (Goodwin et al, 1982, P. 93). We can view the concept of utopia reflected here in severalShow MoreRelatedThe Ideal of a Man The Ideal of a Woman of the Heian Court Based on Genji Monogatari1258 Words   |  6 PagesThe ideal of a man and the ideal of a woman of the Heian court differs significantly from what people of our modern society might consider ideal, but that is to be expected as our modern society has had much time to be exposed to and affected by the influences of many different cultures viewpoints. In comparison, the Heian court was a more closed society, so back then, the notions of what was acceptable and unacceptable and the standards to which men and women were measured were more defined. 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