Disaster Cinema and Just Eco-criticism: How Can We Envision New Worlds?

• In Event: Speculation and Environmental Futures in the Anthropocene

Abstract

Amidst the pervasive reach of the global culture industry, our consciousness becomes increasingly enveloped by narratives that depict apocalyptic visions, foretelling the demise of our world. These dystopian science fiction scenarios and portrayals of the end times, though abundant, regrettably fail to present a genuine departure from our ongoing environmental crises. Notably, the realm of disaster cinema perpetuates a weary cliché of imminent calamity, marked by heedless disregard of warnings from decision-makers and political elites, culminating in dire consequences. One can readily discern this recurring motif brought to life in the blockbuster film "Don't Look Up." Alas, the discourse on climate change offers no surprise within this context, as repeated admonitions have been met with apathy. This phenomenon transpires in conjunction with the endeavors of green capitalist initiatives that attempt to delink climate solutions from social justice struggles. Concurrently, these initiatives adopt restrictive solutions to tackle climate change, predominantly relying on technocratic measures aimed at regulating carbon emissions, ultimately upholding the prevailing socio-economic order. Nevertheless, it would be overly simplistic to ascribe this issue solely to the insensitivity of decision-makers and their negligence towards cautionary cues. This paper delves into an analysis of 21st-century dystopian films, contending that by adopting such a restricted perspective and consenting to the prevailing belief that the status quo represents the sole viable option, we risk disregarding a profound comprehension of this dire matter. In light of these pressing concerns, this paper explores fundamental questions: How can we envision and conceive of new world(s)? And how can we instigate what has been referred to as a "just transition," a transformative process characterized not merely by environmental justice movements but also by the eco-socialist pursuit of equitable social change?

Author

• TIJEN TUNALI, UNIVERSITY OF RENNES 2