S2E8: Techno-Thrillers – A Reader's History of Science Fiction
Techno-thrillers are a surprisingly fuzzy category that sits at the border of sci-fi and suspense. In this episode, I give an overview of the subgenre and the different ways it can be classified. Book recommendation: Delta-v by Daniel Suarez Sam Boush on the categories of techno-thrillers. My review of Delta-v. Other books discussed: The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
In the 1980s and ’90s, blockbuster films became a staple of Hollywood and of science fiction, and their rise went hand in hand with the development of CGI technology. In this episode, we explore the ways CGI has contributed to sci-fi over the years.
Movie recommendation: Jurassic Park
Sheldon Hall on the origin of the term “blockbuster.”
Documentary on the making of Independence Day.
Other movies discussed:
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Independence Day
Avatar
Science Meets Fiction 
HI, Alex. I’m enjoying your episodes. You do a great job. Do you have transcripts of your broadcasts? Sometimes I don’t have the time to listen to the entire audio file, but if I have text I can glance through it more quickly.
I enjoy listening, though! You have a wonderful speaking voice.