
The Scientist in Popular Culture
Playing God and Working Wonders
Rebecca Janicker(Editor)
Lexington Books (Publisher)
Published on 14. April 2022
Book
Hardback
252 pages
978-1-7936-3303-3 (ISBN)
Description
In this collection, contributors analyze the depiction of scientists in a wide range of films and television programs that span across genres, including horror, science fiction, crime drama, comedy, and children's media. Scientists in popular culture, they argue, often embody the hopes and fears associated with real-life science, which continue to be prevalent in both fictional and non-fiction media. By becoming the "human face" of scientific insight and innovation, the scientist in popular culture plays a key role in encouraging public engagement with scientific ideas. Scholars of media studies, popular culture, and health communication will find this book particularly useful.
Reviews / Votes
There are many different professions portrayed on screen, but with most of these, we have some access in real life ...As such, how we interprettheir work and contributions is mediated by depictions in popularculture. The contributors to The Scientist in Popular Culturehelp us understand what this all means. * Journal of American Culture * The Scientist in Popular Culture provides the reader with a thorough understanding of sf's scientist - one of popular culture's most frequently depicted figures. The 12 chapters of well-researched scholarship contained within this volume effectively chronicle the past, present, and future of the scientist as an archetype that has endured for decades - and will undoubtedly endure for decades to come. * Science Fiction Film and Television * The Scientist in Popular Culture: Playing God and Working Wonders traces the portrayal of scientist figures in film and TV from the mid-twentieth century to the present. The twelve chapters offer both a very accessible introduction for a general audience and incisive, compelling criticism that engages with vital contemporary issues concerning the dangers and opportunities confronting us in science and technology. -- Roslynn Haynes, UNSW SydneyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
568 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7936-3303-3 (9781793633033)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

The Scientist in Popular Culture
Playing God and Working Wonders
E-Book
04/2022
1st Edition
Lexington Books
€94.99
Available for download

The Scientist in Popular Culture
Playing God and Working Wonders
E-Book
04/2022
1st Edition
Lexington Books
€94.99
Available for download
Persons
Rebecca Janicker is senior lecturer in film and media studies at the University of Portsmouth.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: Frankenstein Goes West: The Mad Scientist from Classic Literature to Modern Sci-Fi Horror
James Francis, Jr.
Chapter Two: "Pay attention, 007": The Evolution of Q in the Bond Film Franchise
Claire Hines
Chapter Three: 2001: A Space Odyssey: The Moonwatcher, the Scientist, and The Art of War
William Gombash
Chapter Four: The Scientist as Sixties Icon: Cinema, Politics and Collective Memory
Oliver Gruner
Chapter Five: "Why is Everything so Heavy in the Future?": Science and A Nation at Risk in the American Teen Movies of 1985
Jerod Ra'Del Hollyfield
Chapter Six: Through Heroism and Science "Woman Inherits the Earth": Female Scientists and Dramatic Acts in the Jurassic Park Film Franchise
Rachel L. Carazo
Chapter Seven: A Scientific Method to Muppet Madness: The Enduring Significance of Innovation at Muppet Labs
Danielle Johannesen
Chapter Eight: "All of It, Madness": Cosmic Horror and the Scientists of Chernobyl
Philip L. Simpson
Chapter Nine: A Feelin
Introduction
Chapter One: Frankenstein Goes West: The Mad Scientist from Classic Literature to Modern Sci-Fi Horror
James Francis, Jr.
Chapter Two: "Pay attention, 007": The Evolution of Q in the Bond Film Franchise
Claire Hines
Chapter Three: 2001: A Space Odyssey: The Moonwatcher, the Scientist, and The Art of War
William Gombash
Chapter Four: The Scientist as Sixties Icon: Cinema, Politics and Collective Memory
Oliver Gruner
Chapter Five: "Why is Everything so Heavy in the Future?": Science and A Nation at Risk in the American Teen Movies of 1985
Jerod Ra'Del Hollyfield
Chapter Six: Through Heroism and Science "Woman Inherits the Earth": Female Scientists and Dramatic Acts in the Jurassic Park Film Franchise
Rachel L. Carazo
Chapter Seven: A Scientific Method to Muppet Madness: The Enduring Significance of Innovation at Muppet Labs
Danielle Johannesen
Chapter Eight: "All of It, Madness": Cosmic Horror and the Scientists of Chernobyl
Philip L. Simpson
Chapter Nine: A Feelin