Film buffs are always quick to say that real life is the most interesting subject. Perhaps the most enduring testament to this notion is the abundance of truly fantastic films, as listed by thegeeklyf.com, that feature scientists as their subjects. On the surface of things, a person who has dedicated their life to the minutiae of biological, physical, or chemical processes might not seem like an obvious choice of subject for a blockbuster film.
However, as talented actors and directors have shown us time and time again, science is a subject that continues to enthrall, surprise, and shock. If you’re looking for films that explore the wonders of science and the brilliant minds behind humanity’s greatest achievements, here are some of our favorites.
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1. The Imitation Game
The legacy of early computer scientist and World War II codebreaker Alan Turing was wrongfully neglected for decades. However, the stunning 2014 biopic of his life, work, and persecution, The Imitation Game, brought him back into public consciousness.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s masterful portrayal can largely be credited with the resurgence of interest in this brilliant and complicated man of science. In the months and years following the film, which won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, several biographical books were released, as well as an official Alan Turing video game from Square Enix, and a new £50 note in the UK in honor of the wronged genius.
2. Temple Grandin
This is probably the only film about an agricultural scientist to have ever attracted a significant viewership, if not the only such film ever made. Temple Grandin was an autism advocate and a prodigy who used her knowledge of cattle to revolutionize the animal agriculture industry back in the 1950s, implementing many practices that are standard fare in ranches and farms around the world today.
Claire Danes gave the performance of her career in her sensitive portrayal of Grandin in the 2010 HBO film of the same name, which went on to win five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award.
3. Einstein’s Big Idea
Despite Albert Einstein’s legacy as probably the most famous scientist to ever walk the Earth, few people have ever attempted to put his extraordinary life on the silver screen. One of the only attempts is the 2005 docudrama Einstein’s Big Idea, which specifically follows the leadup to Einstein’s formulation of his famous E=MC² equation.
Touching on his turbulent personal life and his fascinating sense of personal legacy and responsibility to the field of scientific discovery. This film is one that takes a potentially dry subject and gives the audience a truly unforgettable cinematic experience, which is a trait that some of the best movies of all time possess.
4. Blaise Pascal
While many people know the name Blaise Pascal, few people understand just how far-reaching his legacy is. The French mathematician made great strides informing our understanding of the world around us, thanks to his theories on vacuums, probability, and mathematics that are widely established as fact today. One of the most visible examples of his enduring legacy can be seen in just about every casino in the world today – the roulette wheel.
According to the online casino Betway, roulette was actually invented by Pascal back in the 18th century, when the famously restless scientist created the roulette wheel when trying to build a perpetual motion machine. Now, Pascal’s invention takes many forms, including live roulette, mobile roulette, and multiplayer roulette. The only film that captures this episode and the other fascinating moments of his life is Roberto Rosselini’s 1972 film Blaise Pascal, a triumph of his career that many Rosselini fans cite as some of his best work.
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5. The Theory of Everything
Stephen Hawking gave so much to the world of science and we owe so much to him for our understanding of the universe and its origins. He is one of the few contemporary scientists whose legacy has left a lasting mark on popular culture. Hawking has appeared in numerous video games, TV shows, movies, and even the comic book series The Adventures of Dr McNinja, where Hawking serves as one of the main characters.
Of course, his biggest mark on our cultural consciousness is his portrayal by Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, a cinematic tour de force that looks at his struggles with disability and his epoch-defining discoveries. This one is truly unmissable.
These are our favorite films about scientists that you need to watch if you haven’t already. Get in touch to share your favorites!
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