The Intersection of Film and Science

When it comes to the intersection of film and science, few people take the task as seriously as celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Known for his sharp critique of the scientific inaccuracies in blockbuster movies, Tyson's intention is straightforward: he wants to enhance our collective understanding of science, not spoil anyone's fun. A classic case in point is his famous run-in with director James Cameron over "Titanic." Tyson pointed out that the night sky depicted in the film did not accurately reflect the constellations visible over the North Atlantic during the tragic sinking in 1912. Cameron, who also has a penchant for accuracy, made a few adjustments using advanced CGI.

Misconceptions in Space Movies

However, most space-themed flicks are riddled with misconceptions—particularly the use of “artificial gravity.” Audiences often accept this fictional phenomenon, yet a physicist would clarify that an actual spacecraft would require lateral rotation to create a force that mimics gravity. And let’s not forget that space, which is a vacuum, is utterly silent; thus, the roaring engines and explosive depictions we enjoy in movies are far from reality.

Tyson's Critique of Iconic Films

Tyson is particularly scathing towards certain films. Timelessly critiqued is Michael Bay's 1998 movie “Armageddon,” where a group of oil drillers turned astronauts set out to avert a comet collision with Earth. Tyson once argued that its science is perhaps the worst in cinematic history, more so than even Disney's 1979 flop, “The Black Hole." But he has found a new contender: "Moonfall," directed by Roland Emmerich and released in 2022.

Ludicrous Plotlines in Cinema

In “Moonfall,” astronauts played by Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson are summoned to confront a shifting moon that is hypothetically an artificial construct harboring a civilization, a plot that Tyson finds ludicrous. On an episode of “The Jess Cagle Show,” he humorously condemned the film, saying, “I thought 'Armageddon' had a secure hold on this crown. But apparently not.” His disbelief about the plot's tunnel vision on science led him to a comedic breakdown as he attempted to grapple with the ludicrousness of the lunar storyline.

Honorary Mentions and Critiques

Tyson has humorously claimed that “Armageddon” violated more laws of physics per minute than any film. Ironically, this honor has now been passed to “Moonfall,” where, according to Tyson, viewers are left with countless ludicrous situations, such as the notion of sick car jumps induced by the approaching moon's gravity.

Positive Examples in Sci-Fi

Interestingly, Tyson also noted in a late-night talk show that not all Hollywood attempts to depict science are miserable failures. Films like “The Martian,” which delves into realistic physics and space travel, win his approval. He’s praised its dedication to scientific accuracy, even providing in-depth analyses on platforms like Slate and his personal channel, StarTalk.

Ranking Science Fiction Films

In his extensive critique of science fiction, Tyson has ranked various films based on their adherence to scientific principles. While he remains aggrieved by the lack of scientific research in certain films, he retains a fondness for many, including “The Matrix” and “Contact,” acknowledging them for their innovative storytelling despite their scientific flaws. Moreover, he appreciates the unpredictable charm of "Back to the Future," declaring it as entertaining brilliance regardless of its scientific oversight.

Inspiring Scientific Exploration

Ultimately, Tyson isn't asking viewers to become scientists overnight; he simply wants to inspire them to explore more about science and its fascinating realities. After all, understanding the basic principles of physics could transform the way we behold our beloved sci-fi classics!