A proper script is essential to the filmmaking process, but dialogue specifically can make or break a film. When it comes to the genre of science fiction, one normally thinks of the wide-ranging fantastical vistas or set pieces, and often less so about the interpersonal relationships and conversations between characters.
But over the past decade, science fiction screenwriters have offered some of the most iconic lines and beautiful musings of any film genre. So many one-liners and monologues have captivated audiences since 2010, and have offered a fantastic glimpse into our opinions on the genre.
"Oh, what a day...what a lovely day." - Nux, Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road has been hailed as one of the best action science fiction films ever made. The follow-up/reboot to the successful 80s franchise notched up the octane, giving the film energy like no other.
The innate madness of the film is probably best represented through the character of Nux. This goon to warlord Immortan Joe is a devotee and zealot, relishing in the insanity of this post-apocalyptic world. In the height of a car chase through a sandstorm, Nux's exclamation of "What a day...what a lovely day" encapsulates it perfectly. This is a madman right in his element, and he wants you to know it.
"I know what's real." - Deckard, Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Since the first Blade Runner, fans of the film have pondered the true identity of Deckard, the blade runner played by the iconic Harrison Ford. Through visual cues, half of the viewers believe him to be a replicant, while others concluded that he was indeed human.
When this issue came to a head in the fantastic sequel Blade Runner 2049, Deckard's answer of "I know what's real" put it all to rest. The truth of the matter is, no one truly knows if Deckard is a replicant or not, and it doesn't matter. All that matters is that he exists, no matter his identity.
"Sometimes I think I have felt everything I'm ever gonna feel. And from here on out, I'm not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I've already felt." - Theodore, Her (2013)
Her is a fantastic subversion of the science fiction genre, embedding it in the tragic romance tradition. Joaquin Phoenix's character, Theodore, is a single man searching for love, who eventually falls for an Artifical Intelligence, as played by Scarlett Johanson.
The film, directed by Spike Jonze, crafts its own vision of the future, but really only uses it as a set-piece. The film is far more concerned with purpose and relationships, and this quote from Theodore embodies this perfectly. It shows the kinds of questions this genre can tackle, which is more often than not concerned with bigger questions than this.
"The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters." - Yoda, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Star Wars is over forty years old and is finally embracing its age. Through The Last Jedi, the saga finally tackled big questions of failure, ownership, legacy, and moving forward. With the figure of Luke, these questions were embodied. In a way, he represented the Star Wars saga as it's been for so long. He achieved greatness beyond belief, only to fail and go into self-imposed exile.
But, with the promise of redemption through a new generation, Luke and Star Wars were able to amend mistakes it made in the past. This lesson from the wisest of all Jedi offered a thesis to a movie that assisted in pulling the saga towards a final circle.
"Just because something works doesn't mean that it cannot be improved." - Shuri, Black Panther (2018)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made science fiction more fun than its been in years. While there's an argument to be made that all of their films fall into this category, a few truly stand out. Black Panther, for example, really embraces the science fiction tradition of Afrofuturism, a utopian African-inspired vision of the future.
Few characters embody that philosophy better than Princess Shuri. Her ingenuity and innovation are essential to keeping Wakanda always moving forward. This quote above embodies that idea, always pushing to better technology and society even while others claim good is good enough.
"Then I saw it. I saw a mom who would die for her son. A man who would kill for his wife. A boy, angry and alone. Laid out in front of him, the bad path. I saw it. And the path was a circle. Round and round. So I changed it." - Joe, Looper (2012)
Rian Johnson is obviously a fan of Film Noir, embracing the elements of voice-over in many of his films. Looper is no different, utilizing the technique both to establish this world, as well as summarize the thesis near the end of the film.
Like Her, Looper utilizes science fiction tropes and set pieces to tell a far more human story. The cycle of neglect and abuse continues throughout the film on both a micro and macro level. This small monologue from Joe encompasses the difficult decision to end the toxic loop, even if it means hurting yourself.
"You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling." - Eames, Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan's Inception explored the territory of dreams, which is often more connected with science fiction than fantasy. But, the hard rules applied to the technology in the film makes this one of the more fantastical science fiction films ever made.
The script is full of thoughtful, morose lines, pondering the uncanny world of the subconscious. But, it is Tom Hardy's Eames that leaves the most impact. This gruff and direct character encompasses the fun side of this world with this line, showing how imaginative this experience can really be.
"We are Groot." - Groot, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the more independent franchises within the MCU. More midwestern families probably love this gang of talking raccoons and trees than they do Captain America. Because of the emotional attachment that came with this group, the film is one of the biggest blockbusters and science fiction successes of the decade.
The final words of the tree-like protagonist, "We are Groot", took on a life of its own. This calling card showed that not only were you a fan of this property but a member of the family itself. The line personifies the idea of a found family perfectly.
"Apes together strong." - Cesar, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
"We are Groot" isn't the only bit of simple dialogue on this list. There is no denying the impact that the most recent trilogy of Planet of the Apes films had on both the genre and property. The ape of little words, Cesar, became a heroic figure and leader and showed off the best talents of actor Andy Serkis.
Over the past decade, the political climate of the world has often been defined as an us-versus-them dynamic. The othering of other classes, races, and groups is crucial to this series, and "Apes together strong" is a similar rallying call for unification. It doubles as both one for groups unifying and staying true to their traditions and values, but also the wish for unification and peace over war.
"We used to look up at the sky and wonder at our place in the stars. Now we just look down, and worry about our place in the dirt." - Cooper, Interstellar (2014)
A lot of the science fiction of this past decade has addressed the disillusionment with the current state of the world. Compared to the bright wide-eyed future we thought we had, we have been met with catastrophic climate change and corruption.
Interstellar's Cooper embodies someone who wants to reignite that hope and to challenge the cynicism that overwhelms us. This quote is calling out the depression and apathy that has infected us thanks to the constant waves of destruction in our modern lives. It encompasses a lot of the science fiction mindset that defined the decade.