Curse of the scientist!

Frayling, Christopher (2005) Curse of the scientist! New Scientist, 187 (2518). pp. 48-50. ISSN 0262-4079

Abstract

The reputation of scientists depicted by popular movies, which no longer present them as mad or evil, is discussed. A recent survey of 1000 horror films distributed in the UK between the 1930s and 1980s reveals that mad scientists or their creations have been the villains of 31 per cent of the films. Mainstream science has become thoroughly instituionalized and the new scientific heroes are those who have the special insight to prevent institutions from distorting science. As long as there are concerns about, or frustrations with, technology, film narratives will help us cope with them.