In the vast expanse of science fiction cinema, there's a niche that often goes unnoticed: films where cleaning plays a pivotal role. This collection of 10 films not only showcases the futuristic and imaginative aspects of sci-fi but also highlights the often overlooked theme of cleanliness in space and beyond. From janitors in space stations to robots designed for tidying up, these films offer a unique blend of speculative storytelling and the mundane, making for an intriguing watch for those who appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: Although not explicitly about cleaning, the alien visitor, Klaatu, comes to Earth with a message about humanity's need to change its ways, including how it treats its environment, which can be seen as a metaphor for cleaning up our act.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use the theme of alien visitation as a warning about human behavior. Also, the robot Gort was designed by the same artist who created the iconic look of Darth Vader.
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Silent Running (1972)
Description: Set in a future where Earth's plants are preserved in space, Freeman Lowell, a botanist, must maintain the environment, including cleaning and tending to the gardens. It's a film about preservation and the beauty of nature in a sterile, controlled setting.
Fact: The film features the first use of the term "drones" to describe autonomous robots. Also, the film's score was composed by Peter Schickele, better known as P.D.Q. Bach.
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Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
Description: The Enterprise crew encounters V'Ger, an ancient probe that has evolved into a sentient being, seeking to "clean up" its understanding of life by merging with its creator. It's a film about the quest for perfection and order.
Fact: The film was originally intended as a TV series pilot but was expanded into a feature film. Also, the visual effects were groundbreaking for their time, earning the film an Academy Award nomination.
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The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: While not directly about cleaning, the film features a futuristic New York City where cleanliness is maintained through advanced technology, and the plot involves saving the universe from cosmic filth.
Fact: The film's costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, known for his avant-garde fashion. Also, the character of Leeloo was originally written as a man.
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The Matrix (1999)
Description: The Matrix features scenes where characters "clean up" their digital environment, like Neo learning to manipulate the virtual world. It's a metaphor for cleaning up one's perception of reality.
Fact: The film's "bullet time" effect was a groundbreaking visual technique at the time. Also, the character of Morpheus was originally written for Sean Connery.
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Solaris (2002)
Description: While primarily a psychological drama, the film involves the crew of a space station orbiting the planet Solaris, where they must deal with the psychological effects of the planet, including maintaining their environment and cleaning up after themselves.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1972 Soviet film by Andrei Tarkovsky. Also, the film's ending was changed from the original novel to provide a more hopeful conclusion.
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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Description: While not primarily about cleaning, the film features the "Vogon Constructor Fleet," which is tasked with demolishing Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, a form of cosmic cleaning. It's a humorous take on the concept of cleaning up the universe.
Fact: The film includes a cameo by Douglas Adams, the author of the original book series, as the man who gets hit by a car. Also, the film's title sequence was designed by the same team that worked on the opening credits for "The Matrix."
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Moon (2009)
Description: This film features Sam Bell, a lone astronaut on a lunar mining base, whose job includes maintaining the facility, including cleaning up after himself and the machinery. It's a poignant exploration of isolation and the human need for order in the face of the unknown.
Fact: The film was shot using models and miniatures to create the lunar landscape, giving it a retro-futuristic feel. Also, Kevin Spacey provides the voice for the AI assistant, GERTY.
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Elysium (2013)
Description: In a future where the wealthy live on a clean, utopian space station, the Earth is left in disarray. The film explores themes of social inequality and the desire to "clean up" society.
Fact: The film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, with sets built to represent both the dystopian Earth and the pristine Elysium. Also, the character of Max was originally conceived as a woman.
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WALL-E (2008)
Description: WALL-E, a small waste-collecting robot, is left alone on Earth to clean up the trash left by humans. His story is one of cleaning, exploration, and the search for companionship, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: WALL-E was the first Pixar film to be released with a PG rating. Additionally, the film contains no dialogue for the first 39 minutes, relying on visual storytelling.
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