Description: How science consultants make movie science plausible, in films ranging from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Finding Nemo.
Brief description: David A. Kirby is Senior Lecturer in Science Communication Studies at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine at the University of Manchester, England.
Review Quotes: For movie-lovers everywhere, it provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how art and science meet in producing motion pictures we find delightful.--Science--
For that strange corner where science nut meets movie buff, this is a very enlightening book.
--Booklist--From 'prophetic' early films like 1929's Woman in the Moon science-focused movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey to admitted fiascos like The Core, Kirby's command of the subject makes for entertaining reading and, likely, more informed viewing.
--Publishers Weekly--[O]ne of the most in-depth books on the intersection of science and Hollywood to date.
--ScriptPhD.com--Kirby's book is honest and true, well-researched, unique, and easy to read.
--Jeff Schmerker, The Journal of Mind and Behavior--This is a must-read for anyone interested in popular representations of science. Kirby describes the ways that visual media interpret, naturalize, and engage with scientific theories (be they well-accepted, controversial, or fantastical), and how some scientists in turn manipulate cinematic depictions for their own ends. Plus, have I mentioned how much fun it is?
--Carla Nappi, New Books in Science, Technology, and Society--