How are Science Heroes Represented in Movies?
If you’re interested in a career in the sciences, you’ve got options. There are many fields to choose from: medicine, research, conservation, technology, paleontology, teaching, and on and on. But what gets a person started down any of these paths is that first glimmer of inspiration; that first feeling of, “That looks like a cool way to spend your working life.” This is where the power of story comes in, and a major way our culture tells stories is movies. I’m a movie lover, so I’d like to consider a few of the great film characters that have inspired this generation of scientists, and might just inspire a few more.
First is my favorite science movie of all time, Jurassic Park. Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill, is a serious, old-school paleontologist, who is wary of new technology and skeptical of the money-making aspect of dino-fever. He’s a manly guy who isn’t afraid to get dirty, but he’s also intellectual and fairly philosophical. In the end, it’s his courage and intelligence that save him and several others from dinosaurs run amok. I remember watching Jurassic Park as a kid and thinking how awesome it would be to study dinosaurs all day. I still think that.
Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones (Harrison Ford) is an archeologist, which technically falls under the humanities rather than the pure sciences. But he approaches his historical studies in a scientific way, considering the unfolding story of humanity as something worthy of study, and a series of puzzles to solve and preserve for future generations.
Some critics have complained about Jones’ “robbing” of ancient artifacts from their country of origin; they say he’s no hero of historic conservation. But Dr. Jones rescues historical pieces that are in jeopardy, and are part of the heritage of mankind. He saves them from looters who would sell them, and donates them to established museums that can preserve the relics and find the best way to protect them. (Just remember to stick to the original trilogy and skip the terrible Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Aliens: Really?)
Richard Dreyfuss’s Matt Hooper in Jaws showed that smart guys can be brave, and that knowing your stuff pays off. This character drew attention to marine science. Even though the movie really didn’t do sharks any favors, it at least inspired some kids to think more about what swims out in the sea, and that curiosity sometimes led to serious study. I know that after I saw Jaws, I went to the library and devoured every book about sharks that they had. I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
One of the most fun and visually impressive movies from my childhood is Twister, in which Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt play Bill and Jo Harding, storm chasers and weather experts who study tornados to better understand these destructive phenomena. The movie came to be known for its visual effects, but it also has some things to say about the power of science to improve people’s lives. Bill and Jo were inspired with the idea that science can be noble and adventurous. They got to do work that involved driving through houses, watching flying cows, and saving lives. And they had a smart idea with their tornado robot research device (“Dorothy”).
Even though Jurassic World could not possibly live up to the original Jurassic Park, the character of Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt) was a fun take on the heroic dinosaur expert character. His power doesn’t rest in extraordinary strength or speed. It’s all about his intense connection with animals. In a place where the animals are huge and often hungry, that is a powerful asset. Plus, he’s got a great vest (I love vests).
It’s a stretch to call it a science movie, but the new version of Pete’s Dragon is a beautifully told story about the wonder of the undiscovered. It features scientific themes about exploring wild places and finding what others have not found. Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, Grace Meacham, is a forest ranger that has her notions of the possible stretched by a boy she finds in the forest (Pete). Hers is a character that stands in the gap in different ways; she loves the natural world, but understands the need for the resources that drive a logging community. She realizes quickly that the dragon is an incredible creature and wants to save it from exploitation. Her desire to preserve the good is a subtheme of the movie. This excellent and underrated film made me want to go hiking with my kids (and find a dragon).
The Martian is one of the most blatantly pro-science films I’ve seen. Its makers have talked about how they want to inspire people to get into the space sciences and to encourage funding for exploration in outer space. I was afraid the movie would come off as a propaganda film for NASA – and I suppose it did somewhat – but it was also a thrilling edge-of-your-seat story and one of the best adventure films in years. That’s because of the impressive special effects, the sharp writing, and a cast of characters you really root for, led by Matt Damon’s Mark Watney. He’s sarcastic and full of fight, but has enough humanity to feel like a real guy. He makes you want him to be saved. And he’s clear about his love for science and belief that it is his weapon against the elements that seem determined to do him in.
Movies are a way our culture tells itself stories about the world and about ourselves. Scientists are presented in all kinds of different ways in films, from evil to dorky to sexy to heroic. The best of them inspire people to consider where science can take them and what it can do for the world. And they inspire current scientists to feel proud of what they do and contribute to society. I’m going to keep looking for great scientists in the movies, because the ones I’ve seen have changed my life, made me a better scientist, and made me want to use my interests and skills to help others. Let’s keep telling great stories about scientists, because being a good scientist is a noble profession.