What is the science fiction masterpiece that forced the production team of ``The Arrival'' to change the ending?

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2018.01.18Ikuya Takamori

Not all gifts are good

Aliens with advanced intelligence will not necessarily bestow only good things on humanity. In Species (1995), scientists create new life forms by combining unknown DNA information received from extraterrestrial life forms with human DNA. The Sill that was born in this way grows at an astonishing speed, becoming a being that far exceeds humans in terms of physical strength, intelligence, and ferocity.

This work also fits into the category of "a story in which a higher being bestows power on humanity," but it also contains a warning that scientific and technological progress does not only bring benefits, but can also bring danger and harm to humans. Recall the famous montage in " 2001: A Space Odyssey " in which a bone tossed by a human monkey turns into a military satellite. Or the scene in "Arrival" where there is a conflict over whether to interpret what the heptapods are trying to provide as a "weapon" or a "tool." Great power can be either a benefit or a harm. It is up to humans to interpret it and use it.

The origin of story types can be seen in the Greek myth of Prometheus.

If we look back to the origins of "stories in which higher beings bestow powers on humanity" before the genre of science fiction was established, a strong candidate would be the story of Prometheus in Greek mythology, who bestowed heavenly fire on humans. By acquiring fire, humans were able to keep warm and cook, but they also began to create weapons and start wars.

Ridley Scott's Prometheus (2012) naturally draws on this episode from Greek mythology. In the beginning, a giant alien changes its own DNA and scatters it across the ancient Earth, becoming the origin of mankind (in this case, mankind itself is a gift from the aliens). The fate of David (Michael Fassbender), an android created with the latest technology, in the sequel Alien: Covenant (2017) also repeats the same theme.

Who are the geniuses who created one of the best sci-fi horror horror films, Alien?

How can we use the ``great power'' of new scientific discoveries and new technologies through research and development to bring happiness to humanity? This old yet new theme is the ultimate challenge that will never have an answer, which is why sci-fi movie creators will continue to take on the challenge.

reference:

'Arrival' Writer Eric Heisserer on How 'Interstellar' Forced Him to Change the Ending

http://collider.com/eric-heisserer-arrival-interview/

Text: Ikuya Takamori

Freelance writer, English-Japanese translator. Mainly contributes movie reviews and columns to web media, and translates news articles. The translated book is ``Science of Star Wars--Thorough verification! From the true nature of the Force to intergalactic travel” (written by Mark Blake and John Chase, published by Kagaku Doujin) and others.

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