Sound and fires in space, Earth-like gravity in all planets ...
Such is usually how the laws of physics are bent by Hollywood.
More from io9.com's Bad Movie Physics: A Report Card:
"Space epics almost always play fast and loose with science, treating the laws of physics like suggestions. Sound in space, unprotected bodies splatting in vacuum, and alien planets that all look just like Calabasas. But some movies dismember Newton and Einstein with way more gusto than others. We rated 18 movies based on how many laws of physics they mangled, and here's our report card."
Click here to view the entire 'report card'. Therefrom, find out why Apollo 13 and The Right Stuff were found faithful to science, while Star Wars would be on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy blog has a similar list (with a more colorful discussion).
Are the laws of physics meant to be observed to the letter in film-making?
It all depends on the context. Non-fiction and historical fiction should stick to the rules, while all others should be allowed leeway.
So in the case of the latter some form of "agnosticism" can be a good thing. As in ignorance is bliss ...
[Image above is from the movie's poster. It is believed that the use of a limited number of web-resolution screenshots for identification and/or critical commentary qualifies as fair use under United States copyright law.]
Watched Solyaris last night (Tarkovsky's, not Clooney's). The depiction of zero gravity is the best I've seen - EXCEPT that the candles don't go out. Good or bad?
Not that physics is the reason anyone watches that movie!
Posted by: Ian Kemmish | March 26, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Must admit that I never heard of Solyaris until now. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: CC | March 26, 2008 at 06:26 AM