Literature
Which Sci-Fi Movie Did the Best Job Getting the Science Right?
Which Sci-Fi Movie Did the Best Job Getting the Science Right?
In my opinion, 2001 A Space Odyssey is probably one of the most accurate from a scientific perspective. Watching it now is quite interesting in respect of how many scientific developments it got very nearly right. Then again, it had an excellent scientific advisor in Arthur C Clarke. This movie set a benchmark for how science and technology should be portrayed in science fiction films.
The Reality of Hard SF in Cinema
There's precious little in the way of “hard” science fiction (SF) in films. Even those films that put a lot of effort into making the technology look credible and workable tend to bring in alien stuff that might as well be magic at the end, like in 2001 or The Europa Report. Some have tried to do better, such as Silent Running and Martyrs, but they fall short in terms of convincing background in anthropology or sociology.
David Cronenberg's Crash
Let's consider David Cronenberg's film of Crash. This film doesn't break any laws of physics or biology, which suggests it is grounded in scientific and biological reality. While some people insist that Jeffrey Bruce's novel Crash isn't proper SF, given that it's about the psychological impact of the mass media and ubiquitous technology, I'd argue that both the film and the original book qualify as hard SF.
Adapting Scientific Accuracy in Film
Soylent Green does a pretty good job of showing how society and public conventions might be annihilated by massive overpopulation. The film excels in its portrayal through cinematic means rather than infodumping through dialogue. While the addition of a conspiracy thriller twist may detract from its originality, it still manages to deliver an impactful message. The film also benefits from not relying on unnecessary exposition, which makes its narrative more engaging.
Rollerball and Beyond
Rollerball is another film that does a good job of showing radical social changes. Its setting isn't entirely convincing, but it effectively suspends disbelief while you're watching it. The film's take on Juvenal’s quote, “bread and circuses,” is well-handled, offering a critique of modern society. While Death Race 2000 is also set in the future, its inclusion of ridiculous elements like David Carradine's bionic reconstruction makes it less credible than Rollerball. Nevertheless, Death Race 2000 still retains a certain charm and entertainment value due to its pulp schmutter.
Conclusion
While there are few films that truly get the science right, 2001 A Space Odyssey remains a standout for its scientific accuracy. However, other films such as Crash, Soylent Green, and Rollerball also deserve recognition for their efforts to integrate scientific and sociological concepts into their narratives. These films offer valuable insights into the impact of science and technology on society, even if they fall short of being absolute scientific masterpieces.