Science Fiction as LiteratureFilm Permission Slip
Dear Parent or Guardian,
As a policy within our school system, we require permission from parents to screen certain films for your son or daughter during class hours. Throughout the term, I may show a variety of different movies that supplement our curriculum, whose ratings my range from G to R. Certain scenes can—and will—be omitted when deemed too graphic. However, some films are rated (R) and nonetheless require your approval.
I firmly believe that showing certain films will greatly enhance student understanding of the subject material (Science Fiction as Literature), as well as provide an alternate (and entertaining) route for information absorption. Rest assured, however, that this viewing experience is not solely based upon entertainment, as in-class discussion and homework activities will relate the film back to the curriculum. Thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully,
Vista del Lago High School
Science Fiction as Literature Teacher
916-924-2419 Ext. 410364
Directions: Below are some of films or shows we may watch (either excerpts or full feature) in the coming months. Please put a check next to “YES”for every film you give your son or daughter permission to watch. Put a check next to “NO” if you do not approve. If any of the films are checked “NO”, the film will not be shown in class. Note: No nudity or sexual situations will be shown regardless of the film.
YES(I give permission) / NO
(I do not give permission) / Film, Year, Rating, Brief Synopsis & Parent Guide Link
Alien/1979(R)– Classic alien template film that spawned the franchise. Slow-paced, cerebral, metaphoric.
Parent guide link:
Black Mirror/2011(BBC television show)—A post-modern British television series that comments on the ambiguities of technological advancement in today’s world. (“Be right Back” & Fifteen Million Merits”)
Blade Runner/1982 (R)–In a dystopian future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard (Han Solo) hunts for fugitive replicants. Based on the Philip Dick short story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep.” Metaphoric. Parent guide link:
Brazil/1985(R)– Directed by Terry Gilliam (of Monty Python fame). A bureaucrat in a retro-future world tries to correct an administrative error and himself becomes an enemy of the state. Satiric. Humorous. Metaphoric.
Mad Max & The Road Warrior/1979 & 1981 - In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline rich, community escape a band of bandits.
Parent guide link:
The Thing/1981 – Film based on the original John Campbell SF novella “Who Goes There?”
Parent guide link:
They Live/1985 (R) – SF filmStarring WWF wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper. The aliens aren’t out there; they are already here. A modern day allegory of the American Dream.
Parent guide link:
The Road/2004 (R) -Based on the Pulitzer prize winning novel by Cormac McCarthy. A father and his son try to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.Parent guide link:
Unbreakable/2000(R) – A modern day (everyman) superhero. Directed by M. Night. Shyamalan.
Parent guide link:
Son or Daughter’s Name (please print): ______
Parent Name (please print): ______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______