Sci-fi doesn't require a futuristic setting. In fact, a lot of what gets called sci-fi just because it happens In Space or the distant future is closer to fantasy. Strictly speaking, science fiction is fiction with science playing a major role, be it mechanical science, biological science, or psychological science. Jurassic Park, for example, is science fiction because a major aspect of the story is exploring the possibilities and consequences of cloning technology. Star Wars, on the other hand, is closer to being a fantasy story In Space.
Ironically, most science fiction movies end up being sci-fi. Makes a LOTR and Star Wars crossover seem more and more plausible...
I think somewhere on Tv Tropes there is a page for how you explain something, and that *may* go into it. It's specific example is "How does time travel work?" And rank 1 is "Applied pleuthonium" while rank 4 is a really, REALLY long description into physics and mathematics, whereas a 5 is "it doesn't"
edited 2nd Mar '11 1:33:37 PM by romanmyth
Pokedy Poke-pokeStar wars is a Space Opera. That's a genre of sorts, right?
And Inception is definitely a Heist/Action/Thriller. It may have a fantastical pretense, but that doesn't make it Scifi- if anything, it's fantasy, but even then it seems quite firmly grounded in reality.
If they'd turned up the Mind Screw elements, then we'd have a full on Psychological/Fantasy/Heist/Action/Thriller.
Friend rose the counter point of Lord in the Rings being a commentary on society and thus qualifying for it about as much as a Brave New World. Which, unless we were to exclusively limit it to exploring technology [rather than cultural shifts] should qualify. And if we are to limit it to technology exclusively [rather than hypothetical physics, such as Magic], then wouldn't a better term be technological fiction?
I think it is more an enabler, sort of a magic prototype that lets them delve into minds rather than an exploration of a society where in dreams could be explored/invaded/be more deeply understood.
edited 2nd Mar '11 1:39:50 PM by Fauxlosophe
^^^ I wouldn't count LOTR as science fiction simply because there's no focus on those aspects. To qualify as sci-fi, there has to actually be a focus on the scientific aspects, you can't just point at a guy using a computer in your book and say "science!" It has to actually explore the subject in at least some depth.
So, would Post Modern Magick count as Scifi if sufficently defined and analysed?

Oh. Seriously? I figured they were punk or Heavy metal or some jazz like that (pardon the pun).
edited 1st Mar '11 9:48:05 PM by romanmyth
Pokedy Poke-poke