Dustin Hoffman: More science, better fiction
According to Planet Origo, Dustin Hoffman is so concerned about improving the science in science-fiction films that he has joined the Science and Entertainment Exchange (SEE), an initiative of the National Academy of Sciences in USA. The group aims to provide the entertainment industry with access to scientists and engineers to help bring the reality of cutting-edge science to creative and engaging storylines.
A source said “Dustin thinks you can make entertaining movies which also get a message across without slowing down the action. He enjoys comic book blockbusters but if they go over the top and don’t care about getting it right, why should the audience care?”. The SEE will be a “dating service” which links film directors with scientific advisers who can ensure that their scripts are grounded in reality. Jennifer Ouellette, SEE’s director, said she did not expect to turn popcorn movies into school lessons, but that the group would be able to help directors make movies better. “Truth is more extraordinary than fiction and we can spring surprises on directors that would make their heads spin and yet it’s science fact,” she said.
While I doubt that the group will have much of an impact on most of the blockbuster output, it may well lead to some films being better grounded in real science. And that would be a huge bonus for all of us.
