Modernism and the Rise of the Machine

Modernism
Science-fiction has depicted the idea that machines have grown in intelligence over time based on our influence and intention to better our technology. There are many ideas that have risen from this including science and technology taking over the human race and acting as Earth's 'New Saviours' as well as the advances in warfare and weaponry which could lead to our downfall as depicted in films such as 'The Terminator' (James Cameron, 1984). In a more realistic and positive outlook, the rise of machine can also be seen as a celebration of industry and new materials, a look at our development and progress as human beings to the point of being able to now create artificial intelligence as well as having greater access to discovering new things and explanations for things thought unknown.

"We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent. I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita; Vishnu is trying to persuade the Prince that he should do his duty and, to impress him, takes on his multi-armed form and says, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." I suppose we all thought that, one way or another."
 - Robert Oppenheimer, 1965 (From documentary 'The Decision to Drop the Bomb')

Threat to humanity
The rise of intelligence given to machines inspired many works that looked deep into how much of a threat to humanity these can be thus giving rise to new inspiration for the science-fiction genre. Common tropes that appear as threats to humanity within this genre include:
 - Machines, robots, cyborgs
 - Monsters
 - Aliens
All of these are inspired by the advancements in technology with machines being from our intention of creating artificial intelligence, monsters commonly being caused by our influence or accidents such as 'Godzilla' (Ishiro Honda, 1954) or 'The Host' (Joon-ho Bong, 2006) leaving aliens as an advancement of the idea that we are closer to space travel and explores the idea of life outside of our planet and in the depths of space.

Specific examples of these ideas placed in media include:

HG Wells - 'The War of the Worlds' (1898)
Aliens from outer space invade Earth through the use of advanced technology

Roland Emmerich - 'Independence Day' (1996)
A more modern interpretation of alien invaders using their technology to their advantage

Fritz Lang - 'Metropolis' (1927)

Explores the idea of combining the human mind with the body of a robot

Alex Proyas - 'I, Robot' (2004)

Artificial intelligence rivals that of humans and dives into Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics

- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

- A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Stanley Kubrick - '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968)

The on-ship computer, HAL 9000, follows its command of "saving the mission" by using its technology to kill the humans on the ship

 James Cameron - 'The Terminator' (1984)

Using both time travel and robots disguised as humans as it depicts a futuristic war between human and machine.

Link to my review of 'The Terminator' - http://opinionmoviegoer.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-terminator-james-cameron-1984-review.html

The Wachowski Brothers - 'The Matrix' (1999)

Brings about the idea of another reality different to the one we live in which is apparently a dream-like state brought on by our bodies being encased in machines.

Link to my review of 'The Matrix' - http://opinionmoviegoer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-matrix-andy-wachowski-and-lana.html

Christopher Nolan - 'Interstellar' (2014)

Our decisions and influences have brought on the upcoming end of the world and we use our technology to explore far off worlds with their own life and ecosystems.

Postmodernism

 - Jean-Francois Lyotard
 - Zygmunt Bauman (1993)
   - Modern 'Pilgrim' becomes postmodern 'Nomad'
 - Jean Baudrillard (1988)
   - No distinction between representation and reality

What impact does it have on us? 
 - How reliant on technology are we?
 - Computer technology has changed the way we live our lives
 - Knowledge sourced without internet
 - Social life and friends can be 'virtual'
 - We are plugged into the interface for much of our time
 - We consume information exponentially