I’ve been watching James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction on AMC. The first episode deals with “Aliens.” Cameron interviews actors, directors, science fiction writers, and experts of all sorts to share their stories. Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Will Smith, Amy Adams, Jeff Goldblum, and Sigourney Weaver relate their experiences in their key science fiction movies. We’re getting James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction on Monday nights at 10:05 P.M. There’s also a book version of the series. GRADE: A
EPISODES:
1. ALIENS
2. SPACE
3. MONSTERS
4. DARK FUTURES
5. INTELLIGENT MACHINES
6. TIME TRAVEL
Entertaining but the focus is mostly on SF in movies and tv. Not so much in literature. Glad to see Samuel R. Delaney show up. Too much Avatar and Independence Day. Movies I both dislike. And too much Will Smith.
Steve, you’re right about some of the self-promotion going on in JAMES CAMERON’S STORY OF SCIENCE FICTION. But, I like to hear what these guys have to say about their work. Hopefully more SF writers will show up in future episodes.
I didn’t even know this was on. At this point, I find that almost any Will Smith is too much.
Jeff, Will Smith’s career has gone downhill in recent years. He was a dud in SUICIDE SQUAD.
I didn’t know about this either. It is darn near impossible to keep up with what’s on now.
Patti, I stumbled on JAMES CAMERON’S STORY OF SCIENCE FICTION by accident. I’ve enjoyed the first two episodes especially the thoughts of Ridley Scott.
Liked Scotts comments and also Spielbergs.
Steve, I’m always interested in what Ridley Scott has to say. Spielberg’s comments on how movies of his youth affected his film-making impressed me, too.
I had no idea it was on either.
Judging from your comments, it doesn’t look like there is any archival footage of classic SF authors such as Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke and others, nor interviews with those who published science fiction in the digest days (F&SF, Astounding/Analog, etc.) or early paperback days, such as Ace and Ballantine. Yes, it sounds like film and TV only. Too bad. I do note it’s his story of SF, not THE story of SF, which would go back to BEMs and Wells.
Rick, Gary K. Wolfe appears from time to time to talk about SF literature of the 1950s and 1960s. Samuel Delaney’s comments were insightful. I think you would enjoy this series.
Nope, I won’t watch anything with Will Smith in it!
Bob, Will Smith only appears for a few seconds.