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‘A machine for recreating life’: an introduction to reproduction on film

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Olszynko-Gryn, J 
Ellis, P 

Abstract

Reproduction is one of the most persistently generative themes in the history of science and cinema. Cabbage fairies, clones and monstrous creations have fascinated film- makers and audiences for more than a century. Today we have grown accustomed not only to the once controversial portrayals of sperm, eggs and embryos in biology and medicine, but also to the artificial wombs and dystopian futures of science fiction and fantasy. Yet, while scholars have examined key films and genres, especially in response to the recent cycle of Hollywood ‘mom coms’, the analytic potential of reproduction on film as a larger theme remains largely untapped. This introduction to a special issue aims to consolidate a disparate literature by exploring diverse strands of film studies that are rarely considered in the same frame. It traces the contours of a little-studied history, pauses to consider in greater detail a few particularly instructive examples, and underscores some promising lines of inquiry. Along the way, it introduces the six original articles that constitute ‘Reproduction on Film’.

Description

Keywords

1902 Film, Television and Digital Media

Journal Title

British Journal for the History of Science

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0007-0874
1474-001X

Volume Title

50

Publisher

Cambridge University Press
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (088708/Z/09/Z)
Funding for the Open Access charge was provided by the Wellcome Trust.