Good movies that get physics wrong have always been a source of fascination and debate among audiences and physicists alike. While these films often captivate viewers with their compelling narratives and impressive visuals, they sometimes fall short in accurately depicting the laws of physics. This article explores some notable examples of films that, despite their cinematic merits, fail to adhere to the principles of physics.
One such film is “Gravity” (2013), directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Despite its stunning visual effects and compelling storytelling, the film contains several inaccuracies in its portrayal of space physics. For instance, the depiction of floating objects in zero gravity is not entirely accurate, as objects in space would not float freely but would instead drift in a straight line due to their inertia.
Another example is “Interstellar” (2014), directed by Christopher Nolan. While the film is praised for its ambitious concept and thought-provoking themes, it also contains several physics blunders. One notable instance is the depiction of black holes, which are shown to have a visible singularity, despite the fact that a real black hole would be invisible due to its immense gravitational pull.
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979), directed by Robert Wise, is another film that takes some liberties with physics. The film portrays a planet that is able to move through space and time, which is not possible according to our current understanding of physics. Additionally, the depiction of the Enterprise’s warp drive, which allows the ship to travel faster than light, is also not feasible according to the laws of physics.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), directed by J.J. Abrams, is another film that has been criticized for its physics inaccuracies. The film features a scene in which a spaceship is able to travel through a planet’s atmosphere without any apparent damage, which is not possible due to the intense heat and pressure of a planet’s atmosphere.
While these films may not be entirely accurate in their portrayal of physics, they still manage to captivate audiences and inspire wonder about the universe. The inaccuracies serve as a reminder that, while science fiction can transport us to distant worlds and explore fantastical concepts, it is essential to maintain a balance between entertainment and the principles of physics.
