Dystopian Narratives in Literature and Cinema

Dystopian narratives are applied to many literary works and films throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. However, there are still many examples of these works in the 21st century. This type of narrative has sparked an interest mostly in adolescents, but of course, some older audiences also enjoy such literature and films. In most cases, there is a protagonist who has no control over their life and symbolizes a revolt against the system. Moreover, there are the introductions of new worlds. While some of these are made due to a country’s ruling system, many films and books are created as a result of rapid change and innovations in technology.

One of the earliest examples of dystopian motifs in films is Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. This 97-year-old silent film, which is considered one of the greatest of German expressionism, continues to be relevant today. This film is set in a futuristic city named Metropolis, which is divided between the rich and workers. The story follows the son of the city’s ruler, Freder, who falls in love with Maria, who is a worker. The film explores themes of class struggle, humanity, and technology. Besides, there is a famous inspiration from the legend of Babylon. According to this legend, humans built such a high tower that they thought it could help them get closer to the god. Outraged by human arrogance, God punished them by creating new languages in a society where there was only one language. We see the direct reference to this both while Maria tells the story and in the tower of Babylon. Beyond its time, the film paved the way for many films to come with its creative techniques and the problems it handles

Written in 1895 by H. G. Wells, The Time Machine is one of the earliest and most influential works of science fiction. It evolves around the concept of time travel via mechanical devices. The story is narrated by an unnamed guest at a party. A time traveler, who is also unnamed, discusses that time is the fourth dimension and demonstrates a prototype of his time machine. Later, he begins to tell his voyage to his guests, which is in the year 802,701 AD. In a completely different world of his own, there are humanoid creatures called Eloi, which are weak and carefree, and pale creatures called Morlocks. Morlocks live in the underground and feed on the Eloi during the night. Befriended Eloi, a time traveler, tries to take her with him. Eventually, he escapes by traveling into the future. The Time Machine popularized the idea of a mechanical time travel device, inspiring numerous sci-fi stories, films, and books.

Ray Bradbury's 1953 classic dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 explores themes of restriction, conformity, and censorship. Imagine a world where firefighters do not put out but burn books intentionally. Society is prevented from thinking and distracted by entertaining illusions like superfast cars, pills, and realistic TV that make you feel like it’s your family. The story revolves around a fireman named Guy Montag. Initially, he never hesitated or questioned his job of burning books until an event shook his beliefs. Montag meets a 17-year-old girl, Clarisse McClellan, and she asks him a question that haunts him: Are you happy? Shortly after, Montag witnesses a woman choosing to burn herself alive rather than obey the system without the books. He even steals a book and starts reading with his wife Mildred, but she refuses his curiosity. One of the members of the government and Montag’s fire chief, Captain Beatty, warns him that books only bring confusion and believes that they should burn the books to keep the balance. The story ends with a group of intellectuals rebuilding civilization by carrying the knowledge they have memorized in their minds after a war breaks out and the city is destroyed due to atomic bombs. Ray Bradbury's stories and novels have been widely adapted and have inspired countless works, and he continues to be one of the most influential authors.

Published in 1932 by Aldous Huxley, Brave New World introduces a future society of technological advancements, consumerism, and enforced happiness. In this society, people are produced in an unnatural environment and determine which role they will become in life. For example, if you are an Alpha, you are destined to become the leader. Also, the state suppresses your strong feelings and enforces happiness. The story ends with highlighting the dark side of the totalitarian regime, which aims to impose consumerism and stability under the so-called ‘civilized’ society.

George Orwell’s 1949 novel 1984 presents a future totalitarian society ruled by a party led by Big Brother. It is set in the imagined totalitarian state of Oceania, and Big Brother controls every aspect of life. Also, there are thought police that are employed to suppress those who oppose, and the party imposes a language that aims to control thought: Newspeak. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth in London. There are telescreens through which the party monitors citizens and ensures total power. There are some slogans of the party, such as ‘Big Brother is watching you’ and ‘War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength,’ which strengthens its authority. 1984 remains relevant today and serves as a powerful warning about authoritarian regimes and restrictions of thought.