Astronauts Tim Peake, Nicole Stott, and Susan Kilrain, alongside Oscar winning Special FX director Paul Franklin, join Brian Cox and Robin Ince to discuss the accuracy of space movies. They fact check movies like Gravity and The Martian, criticize the lack of realism in spacewalk scenes, and discuss the influence of science fiction on real-life science. They also explore the illusion of zero gravity in movies, the misrepresentations in a Mars film, and the influence of science fiction on space exploration.
The importance of scientific accuracy in space movies and the influence of science fiction on scientific advancements.
The challenges of creating visually accurate space movies while entertaining the audience and shaping public perception of space travel and exploration.
Deep dives
Is Space Like It Is in the Movies?
This podcast episode explores the portrayal of space in movies and the accuracy of scientific depictions. The panel discusses the importance of scientific accuracy in recent films, such as the influence of Kip Thorne on the Marvel franchise. They also touch on the representation of space exploration in movies, the selection process for astronauts, and the psychological and skill requirements for space missions. The guests share their favorite science fiction movies, which portray a mix of realism and fantasy, and discuss the influence of science fiction on scientific advancements.
The Challenges of Realism and Accuracy in Space Movies
The panel delves into the challenges of creating visually accurate space movies while still entertaining the audience. They discuss the use of practical sets and real spacecraft elements in movies like Interstellar, as well as the balance between accuracy and artistic license. The guests also talk about audience expectations and how Hollywood movies can shape public perception of space travel and exploration.
The Changing Selection Process for Astronauts
The episode explores how the selection process for astronauts has evolved over time. From initially focusing on test pilots, the selection criteria now include a diverse range of skills, such as engineering, science, and artistic abilities. The guests highlight the importance of teamwork and various skill sets for long-duration missions, particularly as space exploration moves towards future endeavors like Mars missions.
The Intersection of Fiction and Reality
The panel discusses the relationship between science fiction films and reality. They touch on the influence of science fiction on technological advancements, as well as the challenge of distinguishing between fiction and reality for the general public. The guests also share their personal experiences and observations from their time in space, comparing the portrayal of space in movies to the actual lived experiences of astronauts.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince put Hollywood under the microscope to unpick the science fact v science fiction of some of the biggest movies set in space. They are joined by a truly out of this world panel of space experts including astronauts Tim Peake, Nicole Stott and Susan Kilrain alongside Oscar-winning Special FX director Paul Franklin, whose movies include Interstellar and First Man. Tim, Nicole and Susan fact check how space travel and astronauts are portrayed in movies such as Gravity and The Martian, whilst Brian and Robin argue about Robin's lack of enthusiasm for Star Wars. They look back at some of the greatest space movies including Alien and 2001 A Space Odyssey, and ask whether some fictional aspects of these blockbusters may not be so far from our future reality.
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem.
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