Climate Fiction and its Narratives

Ana-Clara Rey Segovia

doi:10.31273/eirj.v8i2.539

Abstract

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the narratives about a possible environmental collapse and its consequences have multiplied. This is due to a growing awareness about issues such as climate change or the energy crisis. The so-called ‘climate science fiction’ or cli-fi has reflected these concerns in highly successful films, like the two analysed here: The Day After Tomorrow (2004) and The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), a remake of the 1951 classic. In this paper, I approach both films through an analysis of their plot and narrative structure, focusing mainly on the evolution of their main characters and storylines. I argue that these mainstream productions avoid any examination of the actual causes of the environmental crisis, turning it into a matter of individual responsibility based on Judaeo-Christian values such as guilt and redemption, especially those about the apocalypse.

Highlights

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the narratives about a possible environmental collapse and its consequences have multiplied
Klaatu is not a legendary figure or a prophet in a traditional manner— he does depict some of the characteristics that allow us to consider him as one; for example, being capable of healing himself or others, even though it is not through ‘magic’ or supernatural powers but through advanced medicine. This is even more obvious if we focus on the form of ‘punishment’ Klaatu decides to throw over the world: a plague of mechanical locusts
Image source The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) © Twentieth Century Fox/3 Arts Entertainment et al, Picture 3: Wide angled shot of alien mechanical locust plague advancing on New York

Summary

Introduction

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the narratives about a possible environmental collapse and its consequences have multiplied. Image source The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) © Twentieth Century Fox/3 Arts Entertainment et al, Picture 3: Wide angled shot of alien mechanical locust plague advancing on New York.

Results

Conclusion