Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Prophet of Science Fiction
The Science Channel has selected Mary Shelley as their first author to be examined in Ridley Scott’s Prophets of Science Fiction. And it is a wonderful choice, for without her masterpiece Frankenstein (or The Modern Prometheus), one of the first science fiction novels, I can’t see how many of the great modern stories of our time would exist without its influence. However remarkable Frankenstein is in comparison to contemporary literature, and as an example of female authorship in the English Regency period, it becomes even more unique when considered from the viewpoint of 21st century criticism and concepts. Frankenstein and his monster were a logical extension of various contemporary scientific theories, and of the trend toward Gothic romance in popular literature of the time. In addition to identification as an early example of the science fiction genre, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a moral and ethical examination of contemporary science, and a commentary on the processes of birth, life, and death. It was also a singular use of horror as social commentary that would not be truly paralleled until the Romero zombie films.
We recently viewed an early screening of the first episode of Prophets of Science Fiction and it is fantastic. It’s very well put together, well-researched and very entertaining. What I think is brilliant about the series is that this is not just a critical look into Shelley’s work. What Prophets of Science Fiction does is show how her work has influenced science in the two hundred years after it was published. Everything from bio-electricity to organ transplants to cell reanimation, this episode explores the origins of Shelley’s science to how modern science is making her fantasy into a reality today. Don’t miss it when it airs this Wednesday, November 9 at 10:00PM (ET/PT) on the SCIENCE Channel.
We included a press release from the SCIENCE Channel about Ridley Scott’s The Prophets of Science Fiction for those who wish to know more about the show as well as the exciting creators they plan to showcase. Any lover of science fiction will do himself or herself a disservice by missing such a great series!
RIDLEY SCOTT REVEALS THE PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION – THIS NOVEMBER ON SCIENCE
–The Iconic Director Profiles Legendary Figures Who Connected Science Fiction with Science Fact in the World Premiere Series Debuting November 9 on SCIENCE–
Ridley Scott, the creative genius behind legendary Hollywood classics including “Alien,” “Blade Runner” and “Gladiator,” comes to SCIENCE this November with the world premiere eight-part series, PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION. An auteur of science fiction himself, Scott goes from behind the camera to on-air guide to explore the relationship between genre and the constantly-evolving worlds of science and technology. From Jules Verne and Isaac Asimov to George Lucas and Phillip K. Dick, the dreams of storytellers often become the inspiration for researchers seeking mankind’s next transformative discovery. PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION debuts on SCIENCE on Wednesday, November 9, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).
“For years I have been fascinated with the connection between creative inspiration and scientific progress,” said Scott. “Often there is an attempt to separate the worlds of art and science, when in reality the two are inseparably linked. I am thrilled to work with SCIENCE on PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION, which will be the definitive exploration of science fiction’s ability to spark real-world genius.”
Each episode of PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION focuses on a visionary sci-fi figure whose spark of imagination changed our reality. The premiere episode explores the celebrated author, Mary Shelley. Widely credited with creating the science fiction genre, Shelley’s seminal work, Frankenstein, provided a springboard for the future study and development of organ transplantation, cardiac defibrillation, electric batteries, and many other modern advances.
Using iconic movie clips and cutting-edge animation, each episode of PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION features a bold future-forward on-air look that is consistent with Scott’s big-screen legacy. Scott and his group of cinematic and scientific experts, including famed director, Paul Verhoeven, and renowned theoretical physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku, dissect the genius of Shelley and other science fiction titans; such as George Lucas, Isaac Asimov, Jules Verne, Phillip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, H.G. Wells, and Robert Heinlein.
“Sometimes it takes a true genius to clearly articulate the genius of others. This is what makes PROPHETS of SCIENCE FICTION such a singular project,” said Debbie Myers, General Manager and Executive Vice President of SCIENCE. “Having the brilliant Ridley Scott as the on-air guide for this journey enables the series to illuminate the one-of-a-kind inspiration that transforms science fiction to science fact.”
PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION is produced for SCIENCE by RDI Productions and Go Go Luckey Productions. For RDI Productions Ridley Scott is executive producer along with Tony Scott, Mary Lisio and David Zucker. Executive Producers Gary Auerbach , Julie Auerbach as well as Co-Executive Producer David Cargill represent Go Go Luckey. Executive Producers for SCIENCE include Debbie Myers, Bernadette McDaid and Rocky Collins.
Episode Descriptions
Mary Shelley
Premieres Wednesday, November 9, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)
Mary Shelley set out to create a monster–along the way she created a masterpiece.
In 1816, teenager Mary begins stitching together a patchwork of ancient legend, modern technology, and personal tragedy- giving life to her novel, Frankenstein – and the genre of science fiction.
H.G. Wells
Premieres Wednesday, November 16, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
H.G. Wells’ self-penned epitaph underscores a lifetime of grim – yet uncanny – prophecy. With stories like The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The World Set Free, and The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells established himself as a sci-fi writer of almost clairvoyant talent. But these tales of hi-tech adventure hold an ominous warning – beware the dark side of progress. Our greatest innovations could very well become the tools of our own destruction.
Philip K. Dick
Premieres Wednesday, November 23, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
Literary genius, celebrated visionary, paranoid outcast, writer Philip K. Dick lived a life of ever-shifting realities straight from the pages of his mind-bending sci-fi stories. His books have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report and his ideas have influenced the development of real-life breakthroughs in everything from robotics to law enforcement. The brilliant, troubled sci-fi legend’s work confronts readers with a deceptively simple question; “what is reality?”
Arthur C. Clarke
Premieres Wednesday, November 30, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
Some sci-fi storytellers are content to merely predict – but Sir Arthur C. Clarke creates. The writer is single-handedly responsible for the cornerstone of modern telecommunication technology – the satellite. Clarke’s collaboration with director Stanley Kubrick on the iconic 2001 predicted videophones, iPads, and commercial spaceflight – all while redefining science-fiction cinema for a new generation. His sci-fi legacy inspires us to unveil the mysteries of the universe, confident in the knowledge that science is the new magic.
Isaac Asimov
Premieres Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
Isaac Asimov dreamed a better future where we need not fear our own technology. His I, Robot stories of a sci-fi future where robots can do our jobs for us led to the creation of real-life industrial robots–and paved the way for a robo-friendly world. Today, droid doctors save lives performing delicate spinal surgery, and automaton astronauts repair orbital stations in the vacuum of space. And it all started with Isaac Asimov’s futuristic sci-fi vision: a robot in every home.
Jules Verne
Premieres Wednesday, February 8, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
He put a man on the Moon in the Victorian era. He criticized the Internet…in 1863. Jules Verne is the ultimate futurist, with a legacy of sci-fi stories predicting everything from fuel cell technology to viral advertising. The extraordinary voyages of Jules Verne span from the center of the Earth to the surface of the Moon, inspiring art, industry, culture, and technology.
Robert Heinlein
Premieres Wednesday, February 15, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
Science fiction legend Robert Heinlein is a walking contradiction. His stories address themes of patriotism, and duty – while stressing the importance of personal freedom and expression. Heinlein’s groundbreaking sci-fi stories like Starship Troopers and Stranger in a Strange Land continue to challenge readers with the enduing question; “what is freedom?”
George Lucas
Premieres Wednesday, February 22, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) (Tentative)
From Luke Skywalker’s light sabre to Darth Vader’s Death Star, the Star Wars franchise is one of the defining science fiction works of the later 20th century. George Lucas’ prolific imagination has already inspired two generations of scientists and engineers to push the envelope of technology. By introducing computers into the filmmaking process, he changed the way movies are made, and the way we all see the future. Surprisingly, many fictional technologies from “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” are now becoming a reality.
About SCIENCE:
SCIENCE, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of “how” and “why not.” The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown. Guided by curiosity, SCIENCE looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard. SCIENCE and the SCIENCE HD simulcast reach more than 68 million U.S. households. The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/Science Channel and twitter.com/Science Channel.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
