The Rise and Rise of Steampunk. Isn't it time the fans were given the movie they deserve?

Steampunk is big. In fact, that is a huge understatement. Steampunk is a cultural phenomenon, its Victorian cult science fiction theme is incredibly influential throughout literature, fashion, television, and art, and it continues to grow. If you’ve ever attended a ComicCon in any of the far flung corners of the world you will have come across many a fan. For every storm trooper there will be three steampunk enthusiasts stood to the side of them; but they cling to the shadows, though not for the want of trying. The genre is just waiting for someone to take it by the hand and lead it to the front of the stage in all its perfunctorily innovative glory. But where is their pioneer, and how do they emerge from the darkness they inhabit? Isn’t it time someone took this mechanical bull by the horns? This movement needs its movie, and although many have tried it still hasn’t manifested itself in the way its fans have always craved. Step forward mysterious shadow dwellers and claim your rightful place in the limelight.

Ever since HG Wells wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898 fans have craved to see his masterpiece brought to life. Byron Haskin gave us as much as the 1950s cinematic technology could garner in 1953, producing a far superior version to the Steven Spielberg 2005 movie of the same name starring Tom Cruise. But the steampunk theme that so many had hoped would come with it was lost to yet another modern re-imagining, something that this writer really doesn’t like that much at all. Wells’ prose gave the inimitable director so much to work with that it remains a mystery why it wasn’t used as the blueprint for the movie. The words just scream of Victorian England and the giant mechanised behemoths that would come careering across the Thames before enslaving and destroying the rest of the world, all in the glorious medium that is the big screen. Hell, we might have even have let you get away with a 3D version if you’d stayed true to the cause, Steven.

“At first I took it for the wet roof of a house, but one flash following another showed it to be in swift rolling movement… And this Thing I saw! How can I describe it? A monstrous tripod, higher than many houses, striding over the young pine trees, and smashing them aside in its career; a walking engine of glittering metal, striding now across the heather; articulate ropes of steel dangling from it, and the clattering tumult of its passage mingling with the riot of the thunder.”

– H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, 1898.

But Spielberg is not the only one to have tried and failed. There were many who had already laid the foundation for the ultimate steampunk fantasy to reach our wide-open arms, some more successful than others. Here are the main protagonists in what is a hugely underestimated market just waiting to explode into the mainstream. The mechanics are all in place. It just needs someone to stoke the fire sufficiently enough to awaken these sleeping giants.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, from writer extraordinaire Alan Moore, should have been the one. It had everything there, but it just about scraped its $78m budget back and the mystery still remains as to how these creators are getting things so wrong. Hugo was widely acclaimed for its innovation and creativity, and although the steampunk ideas were in there it still didn’t quite address the genre, rather doffing its cap to industry and mechanics. The steam was there but the punk was lost. Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige, starring Hugh Jackman and Christopher Bale, is a genuinely great film set in Victorian London telling the tale of two battling magicians, each trying to outdo the other in increasingly sinister circumstances. This was as close to steampunk as we’ve managed to achieve, perhaps with the exception of the Studio Ghibli animated movies – Steamboy, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle – but it still only left us wanting for more. Much more. Van Helsing tried to adopt the mantle, but the film is more gothic than steampunk – apart from Hugh Jackman’s steam-powered crossbow. That is pure steampunk. Guillermo del Toro’s movies have always had a touch of the steampunk in there, and the director is possibly our best chance of a real epic. His Hellboy movies are laced with all things mechanical, innovative, and technological and we can only dream that the Mexican mastermind has something up his sleeve ready to unleash on the waiting world. Alas, there is no sign of anything yet… Throw in Wild Wild West, Sherlock Holmes, The Golden Compass, and pretty much every Tim Burton movie ever made and you can begin to see that the genre is just desperate to burst from behind the curtain. It’s just waiting for someone to tear it back.

The creators, and indeed financiers, of these feature films should be applauded for trying something new, and it is testament to the genre’s fan base that they keep trying to crack the market, but it just feels a little like they haven’t quite got it yet. There is hope out there though for the millions of fans eager to see their world brought to life in its full and emblazoned glory as already shown by the likes of Guillermo Del Toro, Tim Burton, and Christopher Nolan who are keen to explore the theme much further. These are the directors of choice and they champion the cause for the entire steampunk genre. They have the power in Hollywood to command huge budgets and can deliver us something truly inspiring. The mechanics of the clock and its inner workings are key within the steampunk theme, but we cannot stop time itself, gentlemen. The foundations are out there. You just need to give the people what they want sooner rather than later. The clock is ticking…

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

7 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

5 years ago

Aether is on my to do list 🙂 and if Howl’s Moving Castle isn’t steam driven by a fire demon called Calcifer then I’m very sorely mistaken. Yes it’s fantasy, but isn’t everything? The revolving door? The massive flying death machines? The castle itself? Okay fair enough, the punk may be missing, but the steam is definitely not…

Aaron Spriggs

Both RDJ Sherlock Holmes movies are the best steampunk movies to be found. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is NOT steampunk. Straight up fantasy with zero steam and zero punks.

gadfthr

Look up a film called aether.

Drew Hall

Hey Ben – Sorry for the shameless plug, but we couldn’t agree more! We shot a short proof of concept film called Aether – which is a steampunk inspired science fiction film set in a world of flying cities, massive airships, and ghost towns. We were able to secure funding outside of using a crowdfunding campaign, but could still use all the help we can get spreading the word. We have a robust team of industry legends on board as well – most are either Oscar winners or nominees.

http://www.weareskyborne.com and facebook.com/AetherMovie for more info 🙂

Reply to Drew Hall

Just had a quick look this morning – a very quick look tbh – but there is definitely something there. Are we about to see an Indie breakout? It might be nice to do a feature article once you have some footage and a potential release, maybe an interview…? This looks rather exciting!

GiggirlNY

http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/guillermo-del-toro-bring-magic-meets-steampunk-series-amazon/

Reply to GiggirlNY

It appears as though senor del Toro is answering our call to arms. Thanks for the link. Can we finally emerge from the shadows yet….?

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

The Rise and Rise of Steampunk. Isn’t it time the fans were given the movie they deserve?

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you