Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science, Scientists, and Cinema

by David A. Kirby

How science consultants make movie science plausible, in films ranging from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Finding Nemo.

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, released in 1968, is perhaps the most scientifically accurate film ever produced. The film presented such a plausible, realistic vision of space flight that many moon hoax proponents believe that Kubrick staged the 1969 moon landing using the same studios and techniques. Kubrick's scientific verisimilitude in 2001 came courtesy of his science consultants—including two former NASA scientists—and the more than sixty-five companies, research organizations, and government agencies that offered technical advice. Although most filmmakers don't consult experts as extensively as Kubrick did, films ranging from A Beautiful Mind and Contact to Finding Nemo and The Hulk have achieved some degree of scientific credibility because of science consultants. In Lab Coats in Hollywood, David Kirby examines the interaction of science and cinema: how science consultants make movie science plausible, how filmmakers negotiate scientific accuracy within production constraints, and how movies affect popular perceptions of science.

Drawing on interviews and archival material, Kirby examines such science consulting tasks as fact checking and shaping visual iconography. Kirby finds that cinema can influence science as well: Depictions of science in popular films can promote research agendas, stimulate technological development, and even stir citizens into political action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Film, Media Tie In

280 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2011

About the author

David A. Kirby is Senior Lecturer in Science Communication Studies at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine at the University of Manchester, England.

Reviews

[Iqra Choudhry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the world of science movies, and the work done by scientists to consult in sci-fi movies. A great jumping-off point for anyone who's interested in what goes on behind the scenes of sci-fi movies.

[Thi T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction for me to popular culture and science. I am writing this review almost 2 years after I read the book, and interesting tidbits and stories behind movies I have still not yet seen, like Frau im Mond and Contact, have stayed with me. So it's probably a good read for millennials who want to enliven their sci-fi trivia facts game. As I head toward a career in science education and see Facebook updates from peers pursuing advanced STEM degrees, I notice conflict about the way bad science is perpetuated in movies. This book reassures me a bit, knowing that science experts were hired as consultants for these movies. Even though bad science moments still proliferated for the sake of drama/etc., the input of scientists were considered in all of those decisions. Now that I write that previous sentence, I don't know if I should feel all that reassured...

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting debate. The role of science in cinema. If you want science to be real, then it might mean the movie would be boring but at the same time if you want the movie to be interesting, then the science could be completely wrong. It really depends on the movie company and the director and how they view science in the movie; sometimes they want it to be realistic, other times they don't.

It's definitely an interesting debate. Very often we pick up on science matters from movies, but at the same time, the science in these movies may not be real. I think this book definitely gives food for thought especially how it looks into the role of scientists, and how movies are made.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting exploration of the various roles and motivations of science consultants on popular films. Many intriguing and entertaining anecdotes from various films, both familiar and unfamiliar. I particularly enjoyed Kirby's discussions around the notion of 'accurate' science in films.

Themes started to overlap and feel redundant towards the end. Who was it that said all non-fiction books could be 1/3 their published length? This one could have trimmed at least a couple chapters.

[Brian Kong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through interviews and archived material, Kirby demonstrates scientists play a pivotal role in cinema's visual iconography. Scientists as science consultants influence humanity's perception of science, stimulate technological curiosity, and ignite citizens into political advocacy.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It probably helps to be a bit of a nerd, but a very enjoyable little book.

['Jj]

"good source"

[Busse Library]

PN 1995.9 .S265 K57 2011