Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science, Scientists, and Cinema

David A. Kirby is Lecturer in Science Communication Studies at the Centre for History of Science, Technology, and Medicine at the University of Manchester, England.

"For movie-lovers everywhere, it provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how art and science meet in producing motion pictures we find delightful." -- Science "For that strange corner where science nut meets movie buff, this is a very enlightening book." -- Booklist "From 'prophetic' early films like 1929's Woman in the Moon science-focused movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey to admitted fiascos like The Core, Kirby's command of the subject makes for entertaining reading and, likely, more informed viewing." -- Publishers Weekly "[O]ne of the most in-depth books on the intersection of science and Hollywood to date." -- ScriptPhD.com "Kirby's book is honest and true, well-researched, unique, and easy to read." -- Jeff Schmerker, The Journal of Mind and Behavior "This is a must-read for anyone interested in popular representations of science. Kirby describes the ways that visual media interpret, naturalize, and engage with scientific theories (be they well-accepted, controversial, or fantastical), and how some scientists in turn manipulate cinematic depictions for their own ends. Plus, have I mentioned how much fun it is?"--Carla Nappi, New Books in Science, Technology, and Society "In the gap between science fact and science fiction stands the motion picture and television science consultant. In this brisk, lively account, David Kirby provides us with a history of these often unheralded scientific ambassadors to Hollywood and the critical role they play in shaping how film and television makers depict science--depictions which in turn shape how science is understood by the public at large." -- Zack Stentz , writer/producer ( Thor, X-Men: First Class, Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) "Kirby convincingly shows us that the interaction between science and cinema is not limited to the portrayal of scientists and science themes in the media, but can significantly contribute to shaping a movie's core concepts and -- even more interestingly --