The “Fi” in Sc-Fi — The Biggest Science Mistakes in Sci-Fi Movies

Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:00 am

The release of “Prometheus” inspired the infinitely charismatic astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson to correct not just its mathematics but its arithmetic. And it inspired Moviefone to create a gallery of the most outrageous science mistakes in sci-fi movies. These are mostly just continuity errors, not science mistakes, though. This is a better list of mistakes that show a poor understanding of the laws of physics and engineering. I also like this list.

But the best is this actual physics class presentation about the science errors in the classic of sci-fi: “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.”

The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum used to have a wonderful claymation video with Albert Einstein explaining how movies like “Star Wars” violate the laws of science. “They’re breaking my rule!” he would say ruefully. I’ve been unable to find it online — if anyone knows where it is, let me know.

And be sure to read this terrific piece in the Washington Post about how scientists are working with television and movie writers and producers to make sure that the media presents a more accurate picture of science — and scientists — and to make sure they have access to some of the most exciting new research to help inspire their stories.

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

Thelma Adams on “Snow White and the Huntsman” — “It Isn’t Pretty!”

Posted on June 6, 2012 at 11:34 am

Thelma Adams writes thoughtfully on Yahoo! Movies about what “Snow White and the Huntsman” says about Hollywood — and audience — obsession with beauty:

Why is it so important to know who’s the fairest of them all, a question the magic mirror never answers. For Queen Ravenna, played with Joan Crawford relish by Oscar winner Charlize Theron, the answer is an exposé of Hollywood’s obsession with feminine beauty and aging, and chasing after the next unwrinkled new young thing (whether that’s Kristen Stewart or Elizabeth Olsen or Rooney Mara).

Statuesque blonde Theron, 36, tears into the beauty theme, a variation on past roles. She won her Oscar for playing a repulsive serial killer in “Monster”; last year, she courted another as the morally ugly husband stalker in “Young Adult.” In “Snow White and the Huntsman,” we see Queen Ravenna in her full glory on her wedding day as she glances back over her shoulder and a cascade of golden waves at the young girl who will grow up to be her archrival. The queen has closed the deal with the king, Snow White’s widowed father, in 24 hours on looks alone. Beauty is her power. It’s also her obsession — and her weakness. The parallel is clear: As an A-list star, Theron’s superlative beauty is her commodity, but she’s always looking over her shoulder at the next girl, and the next.

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

Book: 100 Ideas That Changed Film

Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:54 pm

Movies, invented at the end of the 19th century, became one of the defining art forms of the 20th century, moving from flickering images of stage performers to CGI-based effects that could bring any fantasy to life. Oxford Times film critic David Parkinson and publisher Laurence King have produced a new book called 100 Ideas that Changed Film, covering topics like technology (magic lanterns, handheld cameras, special effects, animation), genres (slapstick, epics, expressionism, documentaries, blockbusters), historical events (the blacklist), as well as artistic developments like soundtracks and montage. Well worth reading.

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

What a Trailer Tells You

Posted on May 18, 2012 at 8:00 am

The job of the people who make trailers is not to convey the real quality of a movie. It is to get you to buy tickets. io9 has a funny and astute primer on how to spot tricks in a trailer that make the movie look like it’s worth seeing, even when it isn’t. Two of my favorites:

Dog Reaction Shots
If they have to show you a dog’s reaction to the events that are happening on screen, that’s probably a pretty bad sign. They don’t think you’ll know how to react without a dog letting you know.

A pretty woman does an over-the-top pratfall
This is mostly in romantic comedies, but also in other types of films. Comedian Emily Heller describes this one thusly: “Whoooaaaa! She’s clumsy! She has a FLAW! She falls down! That’s the only thing wrong with her though because otherwise she’s a 10.”

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

A Guide to Marvel’s Avengers Universe

Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:00 am

Thanks to CinemaBlend for this handy guide: 10 Things You Need to Know About the Marvel Universe Before Seeing “The Avengers.” SPOILER ALERT! Skip item 10. But if you’re not up on the backstories of the characters, their powers, their origins, and their secret identities and you don’t know your Chitauri from your Cosmic Cube, be sure to check this out before you buy your tickets.

And for fun, check out Nell Scovell’s very funny guide to the politics of the Avengers, their leader, and their nemesis, Loki.