David Kirby: LAB COATS IN HOLLYWOOD

When Hollywood directors like Spielberg, De Palma and Zemeckis want to make sure their science fiction films look real, they often call in science consultants to get their suggestions. But how much influence these scientists have on the final look of the picture varies tremendously from film to film. Certainly any good director wants the science of their film to be correct, but not when it gets in the way of a good story or adds to the budget. So there is often a struggle between the science consultant’s knowledge and the director’s vision. Tonight on Inquiry, we speak with DAVID A. KIRBY, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication Studies at the Centre the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of Manchester. His new book LAB COATS IN HOLLYWOOD: SCIENCE, SCIENTISTS AND CINEMA looks at this complex and often rocky relationship between the scientists on call and the rest of the film crew. If you are a fan of science fiction films, don’t miss this interview!