Scifi Movies/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, with expertise in film. I can answer most questions on the original "Star Wars" trilogy, and some on the newer trilogy. I also have expertise in general science-fiction film (both history and theory), especially in the United States. For movie titles, I need to have the release date (or a date range, or at least when you saw it). It is better if you note significant, major plot details and characters rather than minor plot events, and it is even better if you can recall an actor or director's name, and if it is a film or TV movie. I am less able to answer the following, although I will do my best to track down an answer for you--recent SF films, episodes of TV shows, and horror films. I cannot answer questions about animated SF films, anime/manga, or about film collectables. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience in the area

Coursework in science-fiction and fantasy films, plus teaching courses in the subject for several years; I've also conducted research into SF and fantasy films and TV.

Education/Credentials

Ph.D. in Communication, with emphasis on film and rhetoric.

Past/Present Clients

My students.

What do you like about this subject?

Movies are our fantasies made manifest, and science-fiction/fantasy films push those fantasies to the limit.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

To continue to teach courses and do research in this area.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Dystopian science fiction often does not have a happy ending; it also deals with controversial issues such as genetic engineering, overpopulation, conformity, etc.