Unlocking the Secrets: Demystifying High and Low Concept Science Fiction
Discover the essence of High Concept and Low Concept science fiction in this captivating article From defining High Concept to showcasing successful film examples, explore the world of these thought-provoking genres
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How do the terms used to describe art develop? Many enthusiasts adopt terminology from their favorite critics and commentators. They absorb phrases like "auteur" for a director, "McGuffin" for an object, or "smash cut" for an edit, even if they don't fully grasp their meaning. While the term "high concept" is often misused, it can be described concisely.
One of the most captivating aspects of science fiction is its boundless adaptability. Consider the countless stories that have originated from a single idea. Cloning, robots, genetic engineering, and alien invasions have all inspired an overwhelming amount of creations that would take a lifetime to explore. To make a fresh example stand out, the author will require a compelling elevator pitch.
What does High Concept mean?
A high concept refers to a concise and accurate summary of the main narrative of an artwork. It represents a story that can be effectively and succinctly described in just a sentence or two. If a movie's appeal can be encapsulated into one idea, it is likely a high-concept feature. Elevator pitches come in various forms, with one simple format being to reference another popular project and then highlight what distinguishes it. For instance, if a film shares similar plot elements with Die Hard but is set in space, its high-concept pitch would be "Die Hard, but in space." Another approach involves emphasizing the main characters and bringing together unlikely pairings. The quintessential high-concept logline typically poses a "what if" question, such as "What if zombies attacked?", "What if aliens invaded?", or "What if humanity created sentient robots?". As a descriptor, high-concept suggests that the central concept is the primary allure of the artwork.
On the other hand, the opposite of a high concept is a low concept. Low-concept projects cannot be easily summarized without significantly diminishing their value. Most low-concept films prioritize elements such as character development, relationship dynamics, or visually stunning technical details like expert cinematography. High-concept films rely on an intriguing premise to sell themselves, while low-concept movies must captivate audiences through other virtues. Slice-of-life comedies or family dramas are common examples of low-concept cinema. In the science fiction genre, low-concept projects often incorporate typical tropes while exploring the inner lives of characters living in the story's future. While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind starts with a high-concept premise (a memory-erasing procedure), its runtime is devoted to delving into the intricate details of the protagonists' emotional pain.
What are some examples of High-Concept films?
High concepts are often misunderstood. The term doesn't signify that a work is sophisticated, reliant on grandeur, or even particularly excellent. It only suggests that the film revolves around a compelling central idea. Jurassic Park serves as a prime example. It poses the question, "What if humanity could clone dinosaurs?" and dedicates its runtime to exploring that query. While the movie offers more than just its premise, it is the primary attraction. More extreme examples present their concept right in their title. Snakes on a Plane, Cocaine Bear, and Sharknado are all films that portray exactly what their titles suggest. Films like Die Hard and Alien are frequently used as reference points for other high-concept pitches. Air Force One is described as Die Hard on a plane. Underwater is likened to Alien at the bottom of the ocean, and so on.
Are High-Concept films successful?
High-concept films are generally easier to sell compared to more subtle ones. A captivating pitch ensures a promise that can be easily fulfilled. Low-concept films face greater challenges in showcasing their merits without positive word-of-mouth or favorable reviews. Moreover, high-concept films lend themselves more readily to merchandising opportunities. Films like Jaws, Independence Day, and Jurassic Park claimed the top spots in terms of box office earnings during their respective release years. On the other hand, there were examples that didn't fare as well. Despite its effectively succinct title, Snakes on a Plane was considered a disappointment at the box office. Following the release of Sharknado in 2013, numerous lesser-known made-for-TV movies attempted to mimic the "story in the title" approach, albeit with limited success. While a high concept doesn't guarantee success, it does offer a straightforward path for advertising, positive word-of-mouth, and merchandise sales.
High-concept science fiction relies on captivating elevator pitches that grab the audience's attention. The term "high-concept" simply indicates that the project can be easily summarized. Any film can have an elevator pitch, but if it encapsulates the essence of the movie, it exemplifies high-concept cinema. Experiment with crafting a two-sentence overview for any film or TV show to appreciate how effortlessly it can be done. High-concept ideas will continue to be well-received, regardless of their potential application.
