
Hollywood Science
Movies, Science, and the End of the World
Sidney Perkowitz(Author)
Columbia University Press
Published on 23. February 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-231-14281-6 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
An entertaining, maybe indispensable guide for film buffs everywhere. Booklist "A grand roundup of technical movie masterpieces... praising scientific accuracy (A Beautiful Mind) and exposing turkeys (Volcano). Los Angeles Magazine An engaging and fun read. -- Claude Lalumiere Locus Hollywood Science is great fun... I give it two thumbs up! -- David Schneider American Scientist A fascinating read that will have you heading to your local DVD store. Physics World This is a terrific book... Essential. CHOICE Hollywood Science is a treat for anyone who looks from their television set to the Moon. -- John Findura Fortean Times An exceptionally accessible book, Hollywood Science provides a very good catalog of the ways Hollywood has used and abused science. -- Neil Easterbrook SFRA ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
40 illus.
Dimensions
Height: 228 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
372 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-231-14281-6 (9780231142816)
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

Book
12/2007
Columbia University Press
€86.66
Article not available at the moment

E-Book
12/2007
1st Edition
De Gruyter
from
€20.95
Available for download
Person
Educated as a physicist, Sidney Perkowitz has produced dozens of research papers and books, along with four popular science books, works for stage and screen, and numerous magazine articles. Hollywood Science combines his science background with his love of movies. Born in New York, he lives in Atlanta and is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Physics at Emory University. He's happy to hear from readers at www.sidneyperkowitz.net.
Content
Preface: A Personal Note Introduction 1. Looking for Science in the Movies? Check Out Science Fiction Films First Part I. Dangers from Nature 2. Alien Encounters 3. Devastating Collisions 4. Our Violent Planet Part II. Dangers from Ourselves 5. Atoms Unleashed 6. Genes and Germs Gone Bad 7. The Computers Take Over Part III. The Good, the Bad, and the Real 8. Scientists as Heroes, Nerds, and Villains 9. Solid Science and Quantum Loopiness: Golden Eagles and Golden Turkeys 10. Hollywood Science vs. Real Science Afterword: Finding Real Science in the Movies and Beyond Appendix: Alongside Hollywood Science, There's Popcorn Science Further Reading and Viewing Filmography Acknowledgments Index