Surreal Physics Movies: Share Your Favorites!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around movies that feature surreal or unconventional physics, particularly focusing on those that violate established physical laws such as conservation of momentum or incorporate speculative concepts like quantum mechanics. Participants share their favorite films and engage in light-hearted commentary on the portrayal of physics in cinema.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for movies that exhibit surreal physics, specifically mentioning action and sci-fi genres.
  • Another participant humorously questions whether any movie truly adheres to physical laws.
  • A participant suggests "Inception" for its unique dream-world physics that varies with local gravity, highlighting its narrative structure and character dynamics.
  • "Gravity" is recommended as a contemporary film that attempts to portray realistic physics, especially when viewed on a large screen.
  • Several participants express admiration for "The Big Bang Theory," noting its careful use of scientific terminology and the inclusion of notable guest appearances.
  • One participant humorously references a scene from "The Big Bang Theory" that contains a playful misuse of scientific language in a romantic context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a light-hearted view on the portrayal of physics in films, but there is no consensus on which movies best exemplify surreal physics or adhere to physical laws. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness and accuracy of various films.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the accuracy of physics in films are based on personal interpretations and may not account for all viewers' perspectives. The discussion includes subjective opinions on the portrayal of scientific concepts in popular media.

hodgeman
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Hi!
I'm looking for movies that have surreal physics. E.g. action movies with severe violation of conservation of momentum, scifi movies with "quantum" stuff in the plot ..etc.

What are your favorites?
 
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Which movie does not violate physical laws?
 
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hodgeman said:
I'm looking for movies that have surreal physics. E.g. action movies with severe violation of conservation of momentum,
With the possible exception of Apollo 13 and 2001: A Space Odyssey, all of them.
 
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From contemporary movies I choose "Inception". Most of the action and drama take place in dreams with elaborate 'dream-within-dream' sequences yet with a consistent dream-world physics dependent on local gravity within each dream level.

Inception includes several good story telling tropes including the naive student learning the inception system from the grizzled burnt-out veteran that also informs the audience of the rules, dangers and limitations; and
the all consuming grief of the veteran dream-scaper after the accidental death of his wife
.
 
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For a contemporary movie that tries to show realistic physics watch "Gravity" on largest available screen.
 
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I would like to salute The Big Bang Theory for never gratuitously spewing stupid and incorrect jargon. I never detected an erroneous reference. Also they had Bob Newhart as Professor Proton...an inspired choice.
 
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And of course...
1579028671867.png
 
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DaveC426913 said:
And of course...
View attachment 255595
Hahaha. You only fall if you do a measurement of the floor; orthodox Quantum Mechanics.
 
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hutchphd said:
I would like to salute The Big Bang Theory for never gratuitously spewing stupid and incorrect jargon. I never detected an erroneous reference. Also they had Bob Newhart as Professor Proton...an inspired choice.
Hate to burst your bubble.
When Leonard and Priya are getting it on in his room, Raj overhears Leonard saying "This is the starship Enterprise, orbiting 20 miles above Earth...[insert sexual double intendre here]"
:smile:
 
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