This article contemplates the way Northern and Southern California have been used in science fiction films since the 1970s. Continuing a trend the author traces to the 1940s novels Earth Abides and Ape and Essence, Northern California represents possible utopian futures while Southern California represents dystopia. The article includes a photo essay featuring science fiction film stills held up against their filming locations in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Keywords:
Aldous Huxley, Colossus: The Forbin Project, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Blade Runner, The Terminator, Strange Days, Escape from LA, Gattaca, Southland Tales, Star Trek
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2014