Independence+Day

** Directed ** by Roland Emmerich Bill Pullman Jeff Goldblum Mary McDonnell Judd Hirsch Robert Loggia Randy Quaid Margaret Colin
 * Produced ** by Dean Devlin
 * Release date ** : July 1996
 * Starring: ** Will Smith

Independence Day fits into the sci-fi genre because it doesn’t follow the current conventions of science or logic. The aliens, in themselves, do not follow logic or science conventions or laws. The sci-fi differs from other fictional genres because the content is usually very possible, in Independence Day the events that ensue are possible but, in the film, are largely exaggerated. Independence Day also fits into the action genre as it has a fast moving plot, and elements, such as gunfights and a heroic protagonist (Will Smith), that are conventions of Action films. This film also as aspect of a comedy.
 * Genre: Sci-fi, action (comedy) **


 * Idea 1- **

Independence Day shows the strength of human sprit. Near the end of the film a small group of jet fighters are sent against all odds, much like the Battle of Britain, to fight the invading mother ship that is not only far bigger than the fighters but has more fire power and weaponry. The strength of the human sprit is seen in one character in particular, Russell Casse, who is a veteran Vietnam pilot who struggles to take care of his three children. It is Russell who destroys the alien craft after volunteering to help the jet fighters by piloting one of their planes and his eventual kamikaze to save not only his family but the planet.


 * Idea 2- **

In Independence Day plot points show that people of all different backgrounds, races and religions can unite together on common ground when it comes to protecting the planet. After the satellite communications are knocked out the Americans use Morse code to send out a message to the rest of the world for a coordinated attack timed perfectly to when the alien crafts shield have been disarmed. This shows that a common goal can bring people together no matter how different they are, they are all still human and all want to stay alive on this planet. The different views of people are shown by the different groups of people and how they react to the aliens’ invasion, some say that they should act aggressively towards the aliens, others welcome them with signs (these people end up getting zapped dead.). Subject Matter-Plot- ** Two days before Independence Day a huge alien mother ship enters earths orbit and releases dozens or smaller but still very large destroyer ships which position then selves over capital cities all over the world. David Levinson fins out that the aliens are using earth’s satellites and travels with this father to the White House to tell the president that the alien ships will attack after the count down David has discovered reaches 0. On July 3rd a counterattack is launched. Captain Steven Hiller is one of the only pilots to survive the failed attack as he led away from the battle in a one-on-one dog fight with one of the millions of smaller alien craft releases by the destroyers. Steven carries the alien back to area 51 in his parachute. One July 4th another counter attack is launched this time using the entire world’s forces. The Americans use Morse code to get the message out as the aliens have taken over control of the satellite communications. Mean while David and Steven take one of the smaller alien crafts up to the mother ship. David uploads a virus into the mother causing all the shields on all the ships to fail. The Americans back on earth enlist the help of any volunteers who know how to fly a plane. Russell Casse is one of these volunteers and has the last missile after a long battle in the skies over the US. But due to a jammed firing mechanism he saves the day by performing s kamikaze and flying straight into the heart of one of the destroyers setting off a chain of explosions destroying the ship and saving the earth.