Episode 19 HOLLYWOOD SCIENCE

It is often said that good stories trump good science. When it's convenient for the plot line, science will often take a back seat. But the portrayal of science, and scientists in movies is usually filled with blunders and stereotypes. For example, spaceships that make rumbling sounds in the vacuum of space; a scientist who gains extra mass when he turns into the Hulk; or surviving a nuclear blast by hiding inside a lead-lined refrigerator. We usually see science in movies pushing the bounds of credulity, but they can still leave us with many teaching moments. They can also inspire us to learn more about the real science involved.

In this second show of our 2011 Conference on World Affairs series, we interview Sidney Perkowitz, an Emory University physics professor and author of "Hollywood Science: Movies, Science and the End of the World." Through his writing, lectures and numerous media appearances, Sidney strives to bring science to the public in accurate and accessible ways. He is interviewed by CU graduate student Beth Bartel. Hosted by Jenna Browder.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• science
• film
• Conference on World Affairs
• Sidney Perkowitz