Hollywood Wants to Kill You
The Peculiar Science of Death in the Movies
Michael Brooks author Rick Edwards author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Atlantic Books
Published:5th Nov '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This engaging book humorously examines Hollywood's obsession with death through popular films, blending science with entertainment in a captivating way.
In Hollywood Wants to Kill You, authors Rick Edwards and Dr. Michael Brooks delve into the captivating intersection of science and cinema, exploring humanity's fascination with death and destruction. Through a humorous lens, they examine why Hollywood is so obsessed with apocalyptic themes, from killer sharks to nuclear disasters. The book offers an entertaining yet thought-provoking analysis of how these cinematic portrayals reflect our fears and curiosities about mortality and the end of the world.
The authors take readers on a journey through iconic films such as Armageddon, Dr. Strangelove, The Terminator, and Contagion, investigating the scientific principles behind these narratives. With wit and irreverence, they challenge us to consider the real-life implications of these dystopian visions, asking whether we should take them seriously or simply enjoy them as thrilling entertainment. Each chapter is packed with intriguing facts, illustrations, and a healthy dose of humor, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Ultimately, Hollywood Wants to Kill You is not just a commentary on film; it's a reflection on our collective psyche and the stories we tell ourselves about life, death, and everything in between. It invites readers to think critically about the media they consume while enjoying a lighthearted exploration of the science behind our inevitable demise.
A wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions. * Daily Mail *
A witty and informative look at how Hollywood kills us off. As a film buff and scientist I love this book. * Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and presenter of The Sky at Night *
Great fun and makes you feel a hundred times cleverer. * Charlie Higson, actor, comedian, and bestselling author *
Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times on Science(ish) *
Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science on Science(ish) *
Chirpy [and] bantering. * Strong Words *
ISBN: 9781786496959
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 21mm
Weight: 250g
288 pages
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