Let’s travel back in time to unravel the origins of the science fiction genre in film.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the dawn of cinema. In these pioneering days, most films were short, silent, and simplistic, offering snippets of real-life events, basic narratives, or comedic sketches.
But as filmmakers became more ambitious, they began to explore new storytelling possibilities, and thus, the seed for the science fiction genre was planted.
At the forefront of cinematic innovation stood Georges Méliès, a French filmmaker, illusionist, and visionary. Méliès wasn’t just content to capture reality; he sought to reshape it using innovative camera techniques, special effects, and imaginative storytelling.
It was in 1902 that Méliès created what is widely regarded as the first science fiction film: “Le Voyage dans la Lune” or “A Trip to the Moon” in English. With its iconic image of a rocket landing in the moon’s eye, this film set the stage for the future of sci-fi cinema.
Inspired by the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, “A Trip to the Moon” tells the story of a group of astronomers embarking on an expedition to our celestial neighbor.
The film, which is just over 13 minutes long, showcases a blend of theatrical staging, creative set designs, and primitive yet effective special effects.
As cinema evolved, so did its approach to science fiction. While Méliès provided the spark, other filmmakers fanned the flames.