Ep 2. Space

In episode 2 of AMC's Visionaries: James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction, titled "Space," viewers are taken on a journey through the evolution of science fiction's portrayal of space exploration. Cameron, along with a group of experts, including astronauts and space scientists, discuss the impact of science fiction on our perception of space, and how it has influenced the technology and innovation of space exploration.

The episode explores the earliest depictions of space travel, such as Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon," and how they were fueled by a sense of adventure and wonderment. It then moves on to examine how the Cold War and the Space Race of the 1950s and 60s impacted the genre. While space exploration had become a real possibility, science fiction took on a more dystopian tone, reflecting the fears and anxieties of the time. Classic science fiction films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "War of the Worlds" are discussed, with particular emphasis on how they dealt with themes of conflict and the unknown, adding to the genre's immense popularity during this time.

The episode continues by exploring how science fiction literature and film adapted to the changing political and social climate of the 1970s and 80s. The emergence of new technologies and advances in science led to a wave of more optimistic science fiction, including films such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Star Wars." The experts featured in the show discuss how these optimistic depictions of space travel provided hope and inspiration for a new generation of scientists and innovators.

The episode also touches on the influence of pop culture on science fiction's portrayal of space. The experts examine the impact of iconic franchises such as "Star Trek," "Star Wars," and "Doctor Who" on popular culture and how their depictions of space travel have become embedded in our cultural consciousness.

Furthermore, the experts discuss how current scientific advancements are changing science fiction's portrayal of space. Filmmakers and writers are now faced with the challenge of depicting space travel in a more realistic manner, given our current understanding of the cosmos. The episode explores some of the challenges this presents to science fiction writers and filmmakers.

Overall, "Space" provides an insightful and thought-provoking look at science fiction's relationship with space exploration. By examining the genre's history and its evolving depiction of space, the episode highlights how science fiction has not just reflected, but also influenced, our cultural fascination with space exploration.