History of 50’s Sci-Fi Movies
The 1950s were a time of great exploration and change; this period saw the height of the Atomic Age, the spread of rock ‘n’ roll music, and the emergence of the Space Age. It was a time when science fiction films were gaining popularity, and 50’s sci-fi movies were becoming increasingly imaginative, with better special effects and bolder settings. These films often blended science fiction elements with horror and fantasy, resulting in some truly revolutionary works of art.
The earliest sci-fi films of the 1950s featured alien invasions and robots, powered by the prospects of the atomic age. The 1950s also had plenty of edited versions of successful pulp science fiction magazines, such as “Weird Tales”, on the silver screen. These magazines inspired the deep-rooted themes of the decade, with filmmakers captivatingly presenting horror, fantasy, and even comedic elements within their creations.
The decade’s sci-fi films didn’t simply set the tone for the state of science fiction films to come, but also had an influence on later genres, particularly the emerging “New Wave” of the 1960s. The New Wave was known for films such as “Blade Runner” and “Akira”, which further explored technological advancement in great detail and included some of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time.
Does Hulu Have 50’s Sci-Fi Movies?
Hulu is an American subscription video-on-demand streaming service featuring films and TV shows from various studios and networks. The service is available in the US, Japan and the UK, with India being the latest to join the list in April 2021. As the popularity of streaming services grows, the question is – does Hulu have 50’s sci-fi movies?
The answer is, yes, Hulu does have a selection of 50’s sci-fi movies. Hulu has acquired a number of films from the 50’s that examine technology, often with a bit of horror and suspense thrown in. Films include classics like “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “The War of the Worlds”, as well as lesser known films like “Rocketship X-M” and “Invasion of the Saucer Men”.
Hulu offers a wide range of classic films; the majority of these are recent, but they do have a selection of 50’s films. Overall, Hulu boasts a wide range of films which explore the many facets of science fiction. From creature features to space travel, Hulu covers a variety of sub-genres.
50s Stylisation & Design
The post-war period of the 1950s saw new approaches to fashion and design that were both influenced by the Atomic Age and the Space Race. Film from this period often featured retro-futuristic designs, a blend of futuristic and styles from the past, that were reminiscent of science fiction literature and popular art of the era. The importance of design in 50’s sci-fi films was paramount, with filmmakers using bright, vibrant colours and creative set designs to captivate viewers.
The visual impact of these films was a major factor in their success. For example, “The War of the Worlds” famously had a military invasion and vivid set designs. Similarly, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” had a sleek, modern design which reflected a contemporary vision of the future. In both cases, the stylised approach to design was integral to the success of the films.
The costumes in 50’s sci-fi films were just as important; in some cases, they were a reflection of the era’s clothes and fashion. For example, in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” the characters were dressed in contemporary fashions, while in “Forbidden Planet” they wore futuristic uniforms. The costume decisions made by filmmakers in these films often helped to convey the themes and messages of the movies.
Relevance of 50s Sci-Fi Movies Today
The 50s saw the emergence of several genres, such as horror and science fiction, that would go on to influence filmmakers for many years. As technology advances, it is easy to forget the impact that older films had on modern cinema. However, 50’s sci-fi movies still remain omnipresent and relevant to audiences today.
The success of modern science-fiction films owes a lot to the works from the 50s. For example, many people cosplay characters from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” or “Forbidden Planet”. The themes, characters and plotlines in 50’s sci-fi films still draw people in, as these stories transcend time and technology.
In fact, some of the iconic characters from the 50s have become cultural staples. The Robot from “Forbidden Planet” was one of the first instances of a sentient robotic character in film. Its influence can still be seen today in films like “Blade Runner: 2049”. Similarly, the alien in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” inspired other iconic aliens, such as ET in “E.T: The Extra Terrestrial”.
Production Values of 50s Sci-Fi Movies
The production values in 50’s sci-fi films were not quite up to the standards of modern-day films; this was due to the lack of technology and resources available to filmmakers at the time. In contrast to modern films, the vast majority of special effects in 50s sci-fi films were done in-camera. This resulted in a much more primitive feel compared to modern films.
The visual elements of these films were typically limited too. Most films made use of limited sets, props and costumes because of financial constraints. As a result, a lot of 50s sci-fi films had a more simplistic aesthetic compared to films today. Many films also lacked an official score, as soundtrack technology was still in its early stages.
Ultimately, the production values of 50’s sci-fi films were limited, which resulted in a much more primitive feel compared to films today. Despite this, many films still manage to captivate viewers, due to the filmmakers’ focus on storytelling rather than technical prowess.
Writing Style of 50s Sci-Fi Movies
The writing style of 50s sci-fi films was heavily influenced by the pulp science fiction magazines popular at the time. In particular, the stories in 50’s films featured a lot of elements familiar to readers of the source material. Many films feature protagonists with iconic weapons, such as ray guns and flying saucers. The protagonists would often have to battle enemies who were impervious to conventional weapons.
In addition to this, the storytelling in 50’s films was often exaggerated, with writers leaning heavily into the ‘bigger is better’ mentality. Many films featured massive armies and huge monsters, all of which were portrayed with a larger-than-life energy. These exaggerated styles of storytelling are still prevalent in modern films, particularly in the “Transformers” movies.
Overall, the writing style of 50’s sci-fi films was incredibly influential and gave rise to genres such as the “New Wave” of the 1960s. The focus on storytelling over technical quality made these films timeless, and helped to inspire sequels, reboots, and a host of other media over the years.
Cultural Impact of 50s Sci-Fi Movies
The 1950s were an incredibly influential time period; during this period, the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll music, the Atomic Age, and the Space Age had a lasting impact on art, music, and literature. 50s sci-fi films had a major influence on popular culture, with stories and characters becoming staples of the era.
Many iconic films, such as “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Forbidden Planet”, were widely praised and received critical acclaim for their storytelling and stylised designs. These films are widely regarded as defining examples of the sci-fi genre, and are still widely referenced in popular culture today.
The characters in 50s sci-fi films have become part of the collective memory of popular culture; this includes the Robot from “Forbidden Planet” and the alien from “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Similarly, many set designs, props and costumes are still used in films today, such as the retro-futuristic designs in “Blade Runner” and “Akira”.
Conclusion
The 1950s was an incredibly influential decade in which a number of genres, such as horror and science fiction, emerged. This period saw the emergence of 50’s sci-fi movies, which often blended science fiction elements with horror and fantasy. These films were incredibly popular at the time, and their influence on modern cinema is still evident today.
Hulu does have a selection of 50’s sci-fi movies for viewers to enjoy. From creature features to space travel, Hulu covers a variety of sub-genres from the 50s. The visual impact of these films was a major factor in their success, and the characters, set designs and costumes have become part of the collective memory of popular culture.
