Birth and Rebirth in Current Fantasy Films.

STAR Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Film); ALTERED States (Film); SOMEWHERE in Time (Film)

The article focuses on the birth and rebirth of fantasy films in the U.S. It is said that the recent fantasy films confirm a contemporary preoccupation with the primitive inner man and his quest after his origins and lost self-esteem. Moreover, the paper also discusses fantasy films like "Somewhere in Time," "Altered States," and "Star Trek II" which explore the ancient religious ritual of birth and rebirth with its comforting cyclical concept of history and its confirmation of man's immortality. However, it is analyzed that these fantasy films are clearly meant to provide a respite in confusing and troubled times, which have been often marked by a palpable breakdown in the heroic tradition, as well as by the loss of conventional values.