Whether depicting humans battling aliens or a brave geologist
saving lives as a volcano erupts, science-fiction films are an
exciting visual and sensuous introduction to the workings of
science and technology. These films explore a range of complex
topics in vivid and accessible ways, from space travel and laser
technology to genetic engineering, global warming, and the
consequences of nuclear weaponry. Though actual scientific lab work
might not be as exciting, science fiction is an engaging yet
powerful way for a wide audience to explore some of the most
pressing issues and ideas of our time.
In this book, a scientist and dedicated film enthusiast
discusses the portrayal of science in more than one hundred films,
including science fiction, scientific biographies, and
documentaries. Beginning with early films like "Voyage to the Moon"
and "Metropolis" and concluding with more recent offerings like
"The Matrix," "War of the Worlds," "A Beautiful Mind," and "An
Inconvenient Truth," Sidney Perkowitz questions how much faith we
can put into Hollywood's depiction of scientists and their work;
how accurately these films capture scientific fact and theory;
whether cataclysms like our collision with a comet can actually
happen; and to what extent these films influence public opinion
about science and the future.
Movies, especially science-fiction films, temporarily remove
viewers from the world as they know it and show them the world as
it might be, providing special perspective on human nature and
society. Yet "Hollywood science" can be erroneous, distorting fact
for dramatic effect and stereotyping scientists as remote and
nerdy, evil, or noble, doing little to improve the relationship
between science and society. Bringing together history, scientific
theory, and humorous observation, "Hollywood Science" features
dozens of film stills and a list of the all-time best and worst
science-fiction movies. Just as this genre appeals to all types of
viewers, this book will resonate with anyone who has been inspired
by science-fiction films and would like to learn how fantasy
compares to fact.
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