Are there any science-based movies that don't involve sci-fi?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for science-based movies, specifically those that focus on physics and do not fall under the science fiction genre. Participants share their thoughts on various films, express skepticism about the existence of engaging physics-based movies, and suggest titles that may fit the criteria.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for physics-based movies, citing "October Sky" as a reference point.
  • Another participant doubts the existence of engaging physics-based movies, suggesting that they would likely be boring, while mentioning biochemistry films they enjoy.
  • Some participants discuss specific films, including "A Beautiful Mind" and "Oppenheimer," with differing opinions on their relevance to physics.
  • A participant mentions a movie featuring Jeremy Piven as a research physicist, highlighting its dramatic elements and a specific scene related to the duality of light.
  • Another participant suggests "Infinity," a film about Richard Feynman, as a potential physics-based movie.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between physicists and mathematicians, with some participants asserting that mathematicians should not be included in the search for physics films.
  • One participant mentions "The Race for the Double Helix" as a good film related to high-level science work, though not strictly physics-centric.
  • Another participant reflects on the focus of "October Sky," noting it emphasizes the opportunity for kids to study science rather than heavily focusing on the science itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the existence and quality of physics-based movies, with no consensus reached on specific titles that fit the original request. Some participants agree on the merits of certain films, while others challenge their relevance to the physics theme.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the quality and availability of suggested films, indicating that personal experiences with video rental stores may affect their ability to find specific titles.

arevolutionist
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What are some movies with a storyline based on scientists? I know some related to computer science, though I am seeking more of a physics based movie. Also, I am not seeking sci-fi. The closest movie to what I am seeking is October Sky.
 
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A physics based movie ? Pfff, i do not think that exists. If it did, it must be very boring. I do know some great biochemistry based movies like "Hooters from Schmooters" and "Geile SS Weiben"...GREAT STUFF

marlon
 
marlon said:
A physics based movie ? Pfff, i do not think that exists. If it did, it must be very boring. I do know some great biochemistry based movies like "Hooters from Schmooters" and "Geile SS Weiben"...GREAT STUFF

marlon


:smile: :smile: :smile:
 
or this (someone here argued that this one is about mad man, not a scientist)?
 
whatta said:
or this (someone here argued that this one is about mad man, not a scientist)?

Err did you actually see that movie ? I did and i can assure you that it is not a physics based movie. Nor is a beautiful mind but both of them are great movies indeed.

marlon
 
original post said "scientists". aren't mathematicians scientists?
 
Jeremy Piven did a movie a while back. I vaguely remember seeing this. He plays a research physicist. It's a lot of drama (I think he gets caught up in an affair or something like that), but I do remember him getting lambasted by a prof for giving a presentation on the duality of light that any 9th grader could give. It didn't get rated very well.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116160/
 
whatta said:
original post said "scientists". aren't mathematicians scientists?

Read the original post man. The OP is looking for physics based movies, not mathematician's based movies.

Hiw own words in post 1 : "though I am seeking more of a physics based movie"


marlon
 
  • #11
oh, marlon, marlon... here.
 
  • #13
I own the movies Pi and A Beautiful Mind.

Read the original post man. The OP is looking for physics based movies, not mathematician's based movies.

Hiw own words in post 1 : "though I am seeking more of a physics based movie"


marlon

True. I am seeking physics based movies. Though, if someone recommends a good movie about a mathematician, I shall watch it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116635/
Infinity (1996)
Story of the early life of genius and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman.

I heard of this movie. The video rental stores seem to not carry it. (Though they suck at spelling. They could not find "Rabbit Proof Fence" in their DB, even though I found it on the shelve. It takes about four visits to find someone that can spell.) Also, I heard it was poorly done. Is this true?
 
  • #14
Hey, thanks for that pointer on Infinity! I'll definitely rent it.

What about the movie "The Race for the Double Helix" ? That was pretty good. Not totally physics-centric, but definitely a good view into high-level science work on an incredibly important subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Story
 
  • #15
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/" is a good movie based on life movie about a boys facination with rockets.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #16
I really like October Sky. It's in my top 10 for sure. I'm not so sure it focuses heavily on the science. It focuses more on kids getting a chance to study it though. Nothing beats the end of that movie.
 

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