For those who never question the accuracy of content in movies and TV shows, the Science Study Break lecture series strives to separate fact from fiction behind the scenes.
Roxanne Bogucka, science instruction librarian in the Life Science Library, created the series in 2006. Professors in the appropriate fields compare scenes to reality to encourage viewers to think critically about the portrayal of science and technology in TV and film.
“People are often too quick to accept what is portrayed as fact or truth in movies and TV shows,” said associate chemistry professor Keith Stevenson. “Some forget that movies and TV shows are about entertainment and not about factual depictions.”
In the past, professors have discussed “CSI,” “Bones” and “The Matrix,” among other titles.
“Humans were used as batteries to power the Matrix in the Keanu Reeves movie ‘The Matrix,’” said Stevenson, who lectured last year about the film. “I was encouraged to discuss how silly it would be for machines to use humans as batteries, as it would cost more energy to feed the humans than that which would be harnessed to power the Matrix.”
Jay Banner, a geological sciences professor and director of the Environmental Science Institute, evaluated the portrayal of climate change in such films as “The Day After Tomorrow” and “Waterworld.”
“Many of us don’t take the time to follow up and find out for themselves what’s in the realm of possibility and what is truly science fiction,” Banner said. “I think it’s important that people gain an appreciation for how to assess the media’s portrayals of how the world around them works.”
Lectures usually attract between 25 and 60 attendees, Bogucka said.
Ancient-history junior Christina DeLeon attended a lecture last year led by anthropology professor John Kappelman about the TV show “Bones.” DeLeon said that before attending, she thought “Bones” accurately depicted forensic investigation.
“I learned forensic anthropology is not just bones and tissue,” said DeLeon, who is minoring in the field. “He said some parts of the show were inaccurate, like the short time it took to figure everything out and solve a case.”
DeLeon said she is now more critical of film and TV show content.
“If I don’t understand something, I definitely look it up to see if it’s true,” she said. “[The lecture series] is great for students who are into the discussed subject and can broaden their horizons and get a better idea how other people see their majors.”
The next lecture will be held in Room 212 of the Main Building at 6 p.m. on April 15. Mitch Pryor of the UT Robotics Research Group will analyze the film “Iron Man.”
“It was interesting to watch the movie again and think about what was technically feasible from a robotics point of view,” Pryor said. “It is interesting to see how some of the special effects illustrate active areas of research in robotics.”
Pryor will also discuss the terms used in the movie to address areas of science and research.
“A lot of the technology with Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit is commonly known as ‘human augmentation’ — a phrase not used in the movie,” Pryor said. “I think some of the good that can come out of Science Study Break is us mapping the gizmos and goofy names of the movies to the science, research and technology threads that exist in the real world today.”
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