This historical study of science fiction cinema explores the characteristics of this popular genre since its inception in the early 1900s, through the rash of science fiction "B-movies" of the 50s to recent examples of science-fiction films. The text introduces contemporary and past theories and practices, and provides an overview of the main themes, approaches and areas of study. It looks at acting styles common to science fiction films, focusing on the new styles related to the "cyborg" film. Chapters cover the "translation" of the novel or short story to film; gender issues and the representation of masculine and feminine subjects; the co-opting by the genre of the martial arts; body politics and performance theory; filmic architecture and the "look" of contemporary science fiction film; the advent of artificial intelligence; and the direct to video market. The films discussed include: "The Matrix"; "Blade Runner"; "Johnny Mnemonic"; "Dark Star"; "Fifth Element"; "Robocop"; "2001: A Space Odyssey"; "The Man Who Fell to Earth"; "The Terminator"; "Alien"; "Star Trek: First Contact"; "Predator"; "Tomb Raider"; "eXistenZ"; "Crash"; and "Videodrome".