Since film began producing science fiction films, they have always been set in what was supposed to be a far off time, a time where technology has come so far that the world is barely recognizable. So far, the most accurate rendering of future-time is Terminator 2 where the film was created in 1991, but was set in 1995 - and it looked exactly the same - an accurate depiction of what the future really is, more of the same. So, where are all those wonderful gadgets that science promised? Or are they here, but they're just not as exciting as we thought they would be?
The Personal Jetpack
To quote Daniel H. Wilson, PhD from his book Where's My Jetpack?, "It's the last thing you think about going to sleep. It's the first thing you think of when you wake up." (15) The personal jetpack. This wondrous piece of science fiction technology has been a mainstay in films and TV for as long as living memory. Two rockets attached to shoulder straps that fit snugly on the back, and giving the wearer the ability to fly. Well, why aren't there personal jetpacks for everyone, everywhere? Well, Wendell Moore of Bell Aerosystems Company did create a personal rocketbelt - basically a rocket mounted on a backpack - but the problem was, the fuel (although there were three tanks of it) only lasted about half a minute before unceremoniously hurtling the screaming wearer towards the earth.
It also only created enough lift to carry the pilot and the jetpack - no parachutes. Amateur attempts to built one have failed and it is not recommended to try at home, as firstly it is a deafeningly loud machine and secondly the exhaust created is incredibly hot and harmful unless the pilot wears a heat-proof suit. Another reason not everyone has jetpacks is because, well, they'd be an incredible hazard to daily life. There would be little ground traffic, but think of the intense air traffic that would take place with every person in the world hurtling at one another at insane speeds. Drunk drivers would also become, "inebriated human torpedoes" (Wilson, 2007, 20). Although it would be cool, the cons far outweigh the pros of jetpacks.
Video Phones
No science fiction film is complete without the crystal clear video link phone between the two main characters and their ship using either a hand-held device, a watch or some other small gadget designed to send video feeds.
The image is always clear as day and the audio is almost never interrupted - bar horrible electric storms that will kill a few unimportant characters, but spare the lead roles. This may come as a shock to you, but we in fact live in the age of the video phone. Look at your cell phone, what do you see? It can make calls, take pictures, send text message and, you got it, not only record video, but can connect a video uplink between your phone and other phones.
Also, Skype. Skype is more or less free video phoning between any computers in the world, if you've got a webcam - and what laptop comes without them these days? Sure, the images may not be crystal clear and the audio may occasionally be scratchy, but it's pretty good for trying to make science fiction exist in our lifetime.
Food Pills – Pill Goes in the Microwave, Food Comes Out
Ever seen The Fifth Element? Pill goes in the microwave, entire basted chicken comes out. This is the ultimate in dream technology for any science fiction lover, because think of how much smaller food bills would become and the great ease at which you could cook for people - making everyone the dish they want!
This unfortunately is also to remain a myth of science fiction for the time being. Food pills rely on the fact that the genetic material of the food is within the pill and is transformed into that thing upon contact with heat. The problem is getting the taste and texture of the food right. Sure, scientists can isolate the muscle cells of a meat but it won't taste the same as a real steak because it hasn't been exercised in the same way (Wilson, 2007, 147-8). People are also not to keen on the concept of eating something that isn't completely natural - these pills being, of course, completely unnatural.
One thing that is more real than this and along similar lines is the dietary pill. Every science fiction show has a pill which "gives you all of your necessary vitamins to survive without eating". Sure, Centrum may not be exactly that, but it does give all the necessary vitamins and minerals without having to eat from all those food groups. It's a good start.
Technology Keeps on Moving
Although we may have been let down by technology a little bit it seems, there are new advancements everyday, and who knows, maybe we'll have ray guns and jetpacks next week!
- Wilson, Daniel H., PhD, Where's My Jetpack? Bloomsbury Publishing: Soho, London, 2007
Jordan King-Lacroix - Originally from Montreal, Canada I moved to Sydney, Australia with my family in 1996. I did my Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University ...
