Science fiction in the early 20th century

Introduction

The early 20th century provided many opportunities for the science fiction genre to grow and evolve. The first cinematic movies started to be produced, and some directors began to experiment with the genre early on, producing impressive works despite technical limitations. Meanwhile, the rise of science fiction magazines also served to bring stories and ideas to a wider audience. Finally, two of the most iconic works of science fiction in history were published during these five decades – Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell.  

The first science fiction movies

Movies were still a very recent invention at the turn of the century, usually enjoyed by only a small number of people at dedicated exhibitions. The first movies were both silent and black and white, but even at this point some movie makers were very creative with both themes and special effects.

The first science fiction movie is widely thought to be Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon, 1902), by the French movie maker George Méliès. The movie shows a rocket travelling to the moon, through special effects that were remarkable at the time. The movie was only about 13 minute...