Post-Human Aesthetics of Apocalypse

Özgür Yaren

doi:10.25038/am.v0i19.309

Abstract

This paper aims to illustrate the transformation of point of view in apocalyptic/dystopian genre films, abandoning the lamenting tone in favor of other species. It also intends to exhibit the aesthetic strategies conforming to the shifting tone of these genre films towards a post-human stance. It can be argued that the conjuncture which is shaped by several coinciding narratives of crisis from the Anthropocene to the more recent political crisis of rising Populism led Posthumanist discourse gain prevalence. The paper will try to link the shifting tone of genre films with the lineages of Posthumanist discourse and contemporary collective anxieties. Through analyzing the voice of narrative and its visual language, this paper will attempt to layout significant characteristics of post-human aesthetics in apocalyptic/dystopian genre films. Article received: April 23, 2019; Article accepted: June 15, 2019; Published online: September 15, 2019; Review article

Highlights

This paper aims to illustrate the transformation of point of view in apocalyptic/ dystopian genre films, abandoning the lamenting tone in favor of other species
While we are experiencing a simultaneous political-economic crisis, ecological crisis and a deeper existential crisis, our apocalyptic narratives and dystopias are deviating from an anthropocentric point of view
A moral and existential crisis is unfolding in the face of ecological crisis, natural

Summary

Introduction

This paper aims to illustrate the transformation of point of view in apocalyptic/ dystopian genre films, abandoning the lamenting tone in favor of other species. The unpredictable outcomes of biogenetic revolution, the advancements in artificial intelligence, and raising awareness of animal rights are increasingly habituating us to the idea that humans are just another biological species living on Earth. In this conjuncture setting, apocalyptic/dystopian genre films are growing indifferent to the catastrophe of humanity, and even celebrating its extinction, as an opportunity for a new beginning. Apocalyptic/dystopian genre films are growing indifferent to the catastrophe of humanity, and even celebrating its extinction, as an opportunity for a new beginning This shift is very symptomatic in terms of marking a Posthumanist turn in popular culture. Walter Benjamin concluded that “there is not a document of civilization which is not at the same time a document of barbarism.”

Objectives

Conclusion