Mars has long served as a screen upon which we project our dreams, hopes and fears. Each chapter of this text takes a different concept - such as the depiction of women, othering, fears of government or environmental issues - and examines how that concept has been depicted in movies about Mars.

Mars has long served as a blank canvas for illustrating society's aspirations and anxieties--a science fiction setting for exploring our "future history." Covering a wide array of films from Soviet propaganda to Hollywood blockbusters, the authors examine a range of themes and concepts in motion pictures about Mars--attitudes about women, fear of government, environmental issues--and how these depictions changed over time. A complete filmography provides a concise summary of each film discussed.