Abstract

Science fiction films of the 1950s illustrated the complexities of Cold War America following World War II. While many view the culture of the 1950s as characterized by conformity, paranoia, and anti-communism, science fiction films present a more complicated narrative of that period. By analyzing science fiction films throughout the 1950s, this study identifies the ways that science fiction filmmakers and audiences responded to the various Cold War threats of nuclear weapons, conformity, and communism. These three threats characterized the culture of the 1950s, and through science fiction films, filmmakers were able to present narratives that both reinforced and subverted social norms of the 1950s.

Advisor

Shaya, Greg

Department

History

Keywords

cold war, science fiction, film

Publication Date

2015

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2015 Meg Sharber