This A-Z of science fiction films includes entries on individual films, actors, directors, screenwriters and studios, as well as information on national traits and themes, and the novels and stories that have formed the basis of the genre. As well as dealing with blockbusters such as "Independence Day" and "Mars Attacks", the text also looks at early big budget productions such as "When Worlds Collide" and "2001", the inept classics of Ed Wood, Hammer films and the early work of John Carpenter.