Nico Reiher: Science Fiction Trappings and Archetypal Fears and Needs in Signs [PDF]

Seminar paper from the year 2009 in the subject American Studies – Literature, grade: 1, 0, San Diego State University (English), course: English 409 – Science Fiction, language: English, abstract: M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs is a 2002 released film that crosses the genre boundaries of science fiction, horror and mystery. In the movie, a family, grieving over the death of their beloved mother and wife, experiences a worldwide alien invasion. More particularly, Signs builds its plot upon the global appearances of crop circles as well as alien encounters. Hence, the film refers to the actual mysterious emergences of unexplained crop circles and claims of real-life alien sightings. However, the movie also deals with entirely human issues, difficulties and challenges of life such as faith, loss as well as traditional family values. Combining both, Signs explores various archetypal fears and needs of humanity by employing popular science fiction trappings.