Hi Lykkers! Movies have long been a source of entertainment, offering a world where imagination and reality often blend seamlessly.
However, many films also present pseudoscience—ideas or concepts that seem scientific but are not supported by credible evidence or scientific reasoning.
From aliens to time travel, movies frequently depict science in ways that can be far from the truth. This article takes a closer look at how pseudoscience is portrayed in movies and why it’s important to differentiate between fiction and fact!
The Allure of Fictional Science
Science fiction has a unique appeal due to its ability to explore concepts beyond our current understanding. While filmmakers often stretch the limits of reality, this can lead to the introduction of pseudoscience.
For instance, movies like The Core (2003) portray the Earth’s core as a molten, spinning mass that could somehow be restarted by detonating nuclear bombs. The idea that the planet's core could be so easily manipulated is a myth—geophysics tell us that the core's stability is a far more complex system, not to mention the extreme conditions involved.
Another popular example is Armageddon (1998), where characters are sent to space to destroy an asteroid. The movie overlooks several scientific barriers, such as the fact that drilling into an asteroid to plant explosives wouldn't guarantee the destruction of a massive celestial body. In reality, detonating explosives on an asteroid of that size would likely just break it into smaller fragments, posing an even greater threat to Earth.
The Dangers of Misleading Science
While these portrayals make for thrilling movie plots, they also contribute to widespread misconceptions about science. The casual misrepresentation of science in movies can influence public understanding, making people more likely to accept pseudoscientific ideas.
For example, movies such as The Matrix and Inception blur the line between dream states and reality, introducing a false understanding of how the mind works. Although these films are highly imaginative, they perpetuate ideas that contradict neurological and psychological science.
Even in superhero films like the Avengers series, where characters like Tony Stark use highly advanced technologies, the line between real science and fictional science is often unclear. Stark's invention of an AI system that can solve complex problems in seconds, or his Iron Man suit with powers far beyond current technological capability, are exciting but unrealistic.
These depictions can lead audiences to believe that technology’s potential is limitless, obscuring the slow and methodical pace of real-world technological advancements.
Why It Matters: Science Literacy and Critical Thinking
As engaging as pseudoscience can be in movies, it’s crucial to approach these portrayals with a critical eye. For viewers, especially younger ones, it’s important to distinguish between what’s possible in the real world and what’s purely for entertainment. Film makers should bear responsibility for ensuring that when they present scientific concepts, they don't mislead audiences into believing unfounded claims.
Fortunately, there are films that do take an effort to stay true to scientific principles, such as Interstellar (2014), which consulted with theoretical physicist Kip Thorne to accurately portray concepts of black holes and relativity. This helps demonstrate how science and fiction can come together to create a story that not only entertains but educates.
In the end, the “science magnifier” is essential in today’s movie industry—helping audiences identify the scientific inaccuracies in films while encouraging a deeper understanding of how real science works. Recognizing the difference between fact and fiction in entertainment is essential for fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking in our society.
