Bringing Susan Sontag’s Cinema into the Twenty-First Century

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Another point worth considering with Sontag’s essay is the meaning behind the aftermath of such a destruction. Beyond “the aesthetics of destruction, with the peculiar beauties to be found in wreaking havoc, in making a mess,” the film often ends without the hero, or anyone for that matter, left to pick up the pieces (Sontag). The credits roll, regardless. Yet, true disaster in this world nearly always involves a process of rebuilding, both physically and psychologically. The 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia killed hundreds of thousands, but was not merely a flashpoint. Survivors were left emotionally scarred, and rebuilding the affected areas is an ongoing process continuing to this day. A hypothetical movie made about the tragedy would not be hiding any root human cause to the natural disaster, but a hypothetical hero would likely escape, with no concern for the years of aftermath. Indeed, science fiction provide an outlet for exciting disaster in humans, yet true catastrophes extend far beyond a two-hour film. Again, this is a negative aspect of science fiction films, both in Sontag’s time and now. Coping with these difficulties demands more consideration than a simple triumphant hero and thwarted foe. Should humanity reach a scientific doomsday, the consequences will extend far beyond whatever conflict comes about.

Sontag’s essay should be viewed as both a criticism of the film studios as well as the consuming public. There is a dynamic by which customers will want whatever pleases there basic needs, and studio executives will produce whatever sells. Truly thought-provoking films that offer rich self-examination are largely resigned to indie houses and factual documentaries. Is it any surprise that the public doesn’t want to pay ten dollars to be told their apathy leads to misguided public officials? Indeed, Sontag’s observations on the superficial fear-outlet that science fiction offers remain relevant today with a few additions to the background reasoning.

Works Cited

"2014 Domestic Grosses." 2014 Yearly Box Office Results. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015. .

Sontag, Susan. "The Imagination of Disaster." Commentary 1 Oct. 1965: n. pag. Web. 4 May 1965. .