Dystopia in contemporary post-apocalyptic films
Author
Farhat, Hamidreza
Advisor
Karpat, Colleen Bevin Kennedy
Date
2019-01Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
As an inseparable integrated theme, dystopia is the dominant form of societies in postapocalyptic
worlds. Yet, the vision of this dystopian society changes based on events of
the films’ production time and it portrays different characteristics of the post-apocalyptic
world. This study examines the ways in which contemporary post-apocalyptic films
have been shaped and how they differ in characteristics of the end to the productions of
previous decades. Three factors are selected as the most important elements that have
shaped the vision of dystopia in these films. First, 9/11 terrorist attacks and their effect
on creating the new vision of the end is argued, and Man of Steel (Nolan, Roven,
Snyder, Thomas & Snyder 2013) is analyzed. Second, the presence of Islam in
portraying dystopia is reviewed and Mad Max: Fury Road (Miller, Mitchell & Miller
2015) is used as the case study. Third, Mad Max: Fury Road and Blade Runner 2049
(Johnson, Kosove, Yorkin, Sikes & Villeneuve, 2017) are examined to discuss the
Anthropocene and how the concept of decay of nature is interconnected to dystopia in
post-apocalyptic worlds.