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Hollyweird Science: From Quantum Quirks to the Multiverse
Lighthearted, quirky, and upbeat, this book explores the portrayal of science and technology on both the big and little screen -- and how Hollywood is actually doing a better job of getting it right than ever before. Grounded in the real-word, and often cutting-edge, science and technology that inspires fictional science, the authors survey Hollywood depictions of topics such as quantum mechanics, parallel universes, and alien worlds. Including material from interviews with over two dozen writers, producers, and directors of acclaimed science-themed productions -- as well as scientists, science fiction authors, and science advisors -- Hollyweird Science examines screen science fiction from the sometimes-conflicting vantage points of storytellers, researchers, and viewers. Including a foreword by Eureka co-creator and executive producer Jaime Paglia, and an afterword by astronomer and science fiction author Michael Brotherton, Ph.D., this book is accessible to all readers from the layperson to the armchair expert to the professional scientist, and will delight all of them equally.
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2015
7 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Kevin R. Grazier
13 books6 followersDr. Kevin Grazier holds the duel titles of Investigation Scientist and Science Planning Engineer for the Cassini/Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. He earned B.S. degrees in computer science and geology from Purdue University, and a B.S. in physics from Oakland University. He earned his M.S. in physics from Purdue, and then went to UCLA for his doctoral research in planetary physics. At JPL he has written mission planning and analysis software that won numerous JPL- and NASA-wide awards. Dr. Grazier still continues research involving computer simulations of Solar System dynamics, evolution, and chaos.
Dr. Grazier is also currently the Science Advisor for the animated educational TV series The Zula Patrol, and for the SciFi Channel series Eureka and Battlestar Galactica. He recently served as editor and contributing author for the books The Science of Dune and the Science of Michael Crichton for the BenBella Publishing Science of Popular Culture series.
Info from http://www.mikebrotherton.com/diamond...
Dr. Grazier is also currently the Science Advisor for the animated educational TV series The Zula Patrol, and for the SciFi Channel series Eureka and Battlestar Galactica. He recently served as editor and contributing author for the books The Science of Dune and the Science of Michael Crichton for the BenBella Publishing Science of Popular Culture series.
Info from http://www.mikebrotherton.com/diamond...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2016
When reading this book I was reminded of the H. G. Wells horror/SF novel, The Island of Dr Moreau, which features heavily in the TV science fiction show Orphan Black (far more impressive than most of the shows mentioned in the book). This is because, like the human/animals in Wells' story, Hollyweird Science is neither one thing nor another. It's as if two entirely different books have been merged, and the result is quite disconcerting.
The first few chapters are a reasonably intense, media studies type exploration of the nature of science fiction films (and, somewhat randomly, TV). There's no attempt to put science and technology in science fiction alongside real world equivalents as in Ten Billion Tomorrows - this is much more about the nature of SF film making, the need in the end for story to overrule science quibbles and the role of science advisors. (As an aside I think movie science advisors are almost always a waste of time and money as, however well meaning, they are mostly ignored. I had coffee with Brian Cox just before he became famous, and he was really excited about being science advisor for the movie Sunshine. Cox knows his stuff, but the science in Sunshine is rightly slated in Hollyweird Science.) This part of the book worked well and probably deserved four stars, though didn't have a place in a popular science review site, as it was very media oriented.
Then, suddenly, there is a massive change of gear. The book becomes a straightforward physics and astronomy primer with occasional references to a movie to pretend that the science fiction is driving the content. But it isn't. There are frequently four or five pages at a time with no significant film references, and when they come they tend to be very shallow. The pure science bits are okay, though a touch plodding, but the problem is expectations. I thought the book would be built around the Hollywood examples, but in fact they're loosely scattered nuggets, far too infrequent to do anything but highlight their inadequacy.
The science content is generally fine, though occasionally either vague or odd. So, for instance, we are told that the observable universe has a radius of 13.8 billion light years where is actually 45.7 billion light years, a quite significant difference. Most amusingly, the book has a dig at Star Trek's use of 'degrees Kelvin' for the Kelvin scale, then messes up its correction by saying the units of the scale should be Kelvins, where they are actually kelvins. Trivial, absolutely, but then so was the original complaint.
It's a shame, but the book's lack of clarity about what it is trying to do, combined with very limited movie and TV references in the solid science part and a hefty price tag for a paperback mean that it doesn't really deliver.
The first few chapters are a reasonably intense, media studies type exploration of the nature of science fiction films (and, somewhat randomly, TV). There's no attempt to put science and technology in science fiction alongside real world equivalents as in Ten Billion Tomorrows - this is much more about the nature of SF film making, the need in the end for story to overrule science quibbles and the role of science advisors. (As an aside I think movie science advisors are almost always a waste of time and money as, however well meaning, they are mostly ignored. I had coffee with Brian Cox just before he became famous, and he was really excited about being science advisor for the movie Sunshine. Cox knows his stuff, but the science in Sunshine is rightly slated in Hollyweird Science.) This part of the book worked well and probably deserved four stars, though didn't have a place in a popular science review site, as it was very media oriented.
Then, suddenly, there is a massive change of gear. The book becomes a straightforward physics and astronomy primer with occasional references to a movie to pretend that the science fiction is driving the content. But it isn't. There are frequently four or five pages at a time with no significant film references, and when they come they tend to be very shallow. The pure science bits are okay, though a touch plodding, but the problem is expectations. I thought the book would be built around the Hollywood examples, but in fact they're loosely scattered nuggets, far too infrequent to do anything but highlight their inadequacy.
The science content is generally fine, though occasionally either vague or odd. So, for instance, we are told that the observable universe has a radius of 13.8 billion light years where is actually 45.7 billion light years, a quite significant difference. Most amusingly, the book has a dig at Star Trek's use of 'degrees Kelvin' for the Kelvin scale, then messes up its correction by saying the units of the scale should be Kelvins, where they are actually kelvins. Trivial, absolutely, but then so was the original complaint.
It's a shame, but the book's lack of clarity about what it is trying to do, combined with very limited movie and TV references in the solid science part and a hefty price tag for a paperback mean that it doesn't really deliver.
March 31, 2022
Informative and fun. Also an excellent reminder of about a gazillion shows I really need to watch again one of these days. Some of the actual science explained in detail went over my head (let's just say that whenever the equations come out, my brain goes into standby mode), but that didn't make this any less interesting in general.
February 22, 2023
"Hollyweird Science: From Quantum Quirks to the Multiverse" is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between science and entertainment. Grazier, a former NASA scientist and technical advisor to numerous TV shows and films, delves into the scientific accuracy (or lack thereof) of popular movies and television shows, providing readers with an in-depth look at how science is portrayed in Hollywood.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the scientific concepts that are frequently depicted in popular entertainment, such as time travel, alternate realities, and space travel. Grazier provides a detailed analysis of each concept, explaining the scientific principles behind them and how accurately they are portrayed in popular media. He also discusses some of the most well-known films and TV shows that feature these concepts, such as "Back to the Future," "Star Trek," and "The Matrix."
The second part of the book focuses on the portrayal of scientists and scientific research in popular media. Grazier examines how scientists are depicted in movies and TV shows, including their personality traits, ethics, and motivations. He also explores the accuracy of scientific research in entertainment, discussing the differences between scientific research in the real world and the way it is portrayed on screen.
The final part of the book looks at the role of Hollywood in shaping public perceptions of science and technology. Grazier discusses how the portrayal of science in popular media can influence public opinion and policy, using examples such as the controversy surrounding the portrayal of climate change in popular media and the impact that "Jurassic Park" had on public perception of genetic engineering.
One of the strengths of "Hollyweird Science" is Grazier's ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to non-scientists. He uses clear, concise language to explain the science behind popular media, making it easy for readers to understand the concepts he is discussing. In addition, his extensive experience as a science advisor to Hollywood gives him a unique perspective on the subject matter.
Another strength of the book is the wide range of examples that Grazier uses to illustrate his points. He draws from a broad range of movies and TV shows, from classic films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" to contemporary shows like "The Big Bang Theory." This breadth of examples ensures that there is something for everyone in the book, regardless of their specific interests.
However, one potential weakness of the book is that it can be somewhat dry and technical at times. While Grazier does an excellent job of explaining scientific concepts in an accessible way, some readers may find the book to be too focused on technical details.
Overall, "Hollyweird Science" is an informative and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in the intersection of science and entertainment. Author Grazier's extensive knowledge of both science and Hollywood, combined with his clear and accessible writing style, make this an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the science behind popular media.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the scientific concepts that are frequently depicted in popular entertainment, such as time travel, alternate realities, and space travel. Grazier provides a detailed analysis of each concept, explaining the scientific principles behind them and how accurately they are portrayed in popular media. He also discusses some of the most well-known films and TV shows that feature these concepts, such as "Back to the Future," "Star Trek," and "The Matrix."
The second part of the book focuses on the portrayal of scientists and scientific research in popular media. Grazier examines how scientists are depicted in movies and TV shows, including their personality traits, ethics, and motivations. He also explores the accuracy of scientific research in entertainment, discussing the differences between scientific research in the real world and the way it is portrayed on screen.
The final part of the book looks at the role of Hollywood in shaping public perceptions of science and technology. Grazier discusses how the portrayal of science in popular media can influence public opinion and policy, using examples such as the controversy surrounding the portrayal of climate change in popular media and the impact that "Jurassic Park" had on public perception of genetic engineering.
One of the strengths of "Hollyweird Science" is Grazier's ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to non-scientists. He uses clear, concise language to explain the science behind popular media, making it easy for readers to understand the concepts he is discussing. In addition, his extensive experience as a science advisor to Hollywood gives him a unique perspective on the subject matter.
Another strength of the book is the wide range of examples that Grazier uses to illustrate his points. He draws from a broad range of movies and TV shows, from classic films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" to contemporary shows like "The Big Bang Theory." This breadth of examples ensures that there is something for everyone in the book, regardless of their specific interests.
However, one potential weakness of the book is that it can be somewhat dry and technical at times. While Grazier does an excellent job of explaining scientific concepts in an accessible way, some readers may find the book to be too focused on technical details.
Overall, "Hollyweird Science" is an informative and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in the intersection of science and entertainment. Author Grazier's extensive knowledge of both science and Hollywood, combined with his clear and accessible writing style, make this an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the science behind popular media.
July 13, 2018
One of the reviews in here (of the only 4 present so far) say that this book looks like two different books smashed together. While I see their point and don't necessarily disagree, I don't think it's a bad thing.
The book opens with chapters on sci-fi in general, its history and perception, and the image of science and scientists in the media. I really liked the chapters describing archetypes of scientists popularly used, and their associated tropes, and the evolution of these over the past decades.
Then it switches over: the chapters are organized by topic (matter, energy, radiation, ...) with explainers of physical laws as they appear to exist in nature, interspersed with tidbits and references to movies or TV series, and how they physical laws are used (or, in many cases, abused, sidestepped or ignored). I really liked that the book didn't stoop to plain hate even with movies that did things wrong, just pointed out the errors (and/or shown corrections). The authors also clearly appreciate that sometimes veracity has to yield to good old fun.
I personally rarely watch movies and know next to nothing about them; even so, I've enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in science and/or pop culture.
The book opens with chapters on sci-fi in general, its history and perception, and the image of science and scientists in the media. I really liked the chapters describing archetypes of scientists popularly used, and their associated tropes, and the evolution of these over the past decades.
Then it switches over: the chapters are organized by topic (matter, energy, radiation, ...) with explainers of physical laws as they appear to exist in nature, interspersed with tidbits and references to movies or TV series, and how they physical laws are used (or, in many cases, abused, sidestepped or ignored). I really liked that the book didn't stoop to plain hate even with movies that did things wrong, just pointed out the errors (and/or shown corrections). The authors also clearly appreciate that sometimes veracity has to yield to good old fun.
I personally rarely watch movies and know next to nothing about them; even so, I've enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in science and/or pop culture.
January 8, 2017
If you want to write science fiction, set a romance novel on a distant planet, or just want to learn a little bit about science, this book is a must read. There are numerous comparisons between how closely the worlds depicted in some of the best science fiction movies and television series compare to what can actually exist as predicted by science. There are examples of mathematical calculations (kept to separate boxes for those afraid of math) that clearly explain what can and cannot exist.
As a writer of science fiction, I will put this book on my shelf and use it as a reference in case I ever need to do a back of the envelope calculation to make sure the science in my novels is as realistic as possible.
As a writer of science fiction, I will put this book on my shelf and use it as a reference in case I ever need to do a back of the envelope calculation to make sure the science in my novels is as realistic as possible.
February 18, 2023
This is something of two books in one.
The first book, comprising about the first third, is a discussion of the US entertainment industry, how and why it portrays science the way it does.
The second book is a science (well, a subset of physics) primer.
To my tastes, the first book was interesting, the second was so ridiculously simple it wasn't worth my time to read it. That's a shame because, on skimming, I saw that interspersed with the development of high school physics, were some interesting anecdotes about how these ideas were used in various movies/TV shows. But life's too short to have to wade through the dross to get at the gold.
However, if you're not familiar with this basic physics (shame on you!) I guess there are worse introductions.
The first book, comprising about the first third, is a discussion of the US entertainment industry, how and why it portrays science the way it does.
The second book is a science (well, a subset of physics) primer.
To my tastes, the first book was interesting, the second was so ridiculously simple it wasn't worth my time to read it. That's a shame because, on skimming, I saw that interspersed with the development of high school physics, were some interesting anecdotes about how these ideas were used in various movies/TV shows. But life's too short to have to wade through the dross to get at the gold.
However, if you're not familiar with this basic physics (shame on you!) I guess there are worse introductions.
didnt-finish
November 5, 2021The first couple of chapters were what I had expected from this book. Science and sci-fi films, scientific representation in tv and movies,etc. After chapter two however, it became clear that I was too scientifically illiterate to be the target audience. My only physics class was in 9th grade at a public school, so what was described as “back of envelope formulas” may have been written in the Cyrillic alphabet for all that I could comprehend.
April 9, 2018
Good, but easily the worst proofread/edited book I've ever read. Which is especially pathetic considering the subject matter.
January 4, 2020
Excellent book by two people who love science and science fiction equally. No index, but two appendices for film and TV references. If you're a science fiction nerd, this book will appeal.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews