Dystopia in contemporary post-apocalyptic films

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.