Monsters from the Id

"Monsters from the Id" examines the image of the scientist in 1950s sci-fi films. The thesis, to a certain degree, is that people were inspired by the heroic portrayal of science and scientists in these films, became scientists themselves, and America became the world leader in scientific endeavors. Today, however, America is lagging in its production of scientists, and this is probably due in part to the portrayal of scientists on our movie screens.

One thing I have noticed is that in recent years, especially in science fiction films, the role of science and the scientist has become ambiguous, if not downright negative. In the 1950s, scientists often caused problems but they usually determined how to save us from those problems. The ultimate outcome of the majority of those films was that science was beneficial, not harmful. Today it seems that science is usually the villain, often portrayed as ineffectual--the lackeys of corporations and/or the military--if not evil themselves.

I'm not asserting that science should be exempt from critique. Indeed, throughout the history of science there have been thoughtful critiques of science and scientists. For example, H. G. Wells's "The Island of Dr. Moreau" critiques the amoral scientist who is insensitive to the pain of other beings in his quest for knowledge. But what Wells didn't do was criticize the entire enterprise of science, only a particular practice. I think too many people--comfortable in the benefits derived from science, ironically--now doubt the value of science.

I think the benefits of "Monsters from the Id" are twofold. First, it helps us understand the history of the representation of science and scientists. Not only does it help us see this, but it does so in an entertaining way. Second, it makes us aware of how present-day images may be working to shape our perceptions. I think such an awareness can only be empowering.

One drawback of the film is that it doesn't contain many (or any, that I can remember) modern SF clips. I would have liked some clips from more recent films to illustrate negative images of scientists. Another strike against the film is the excessive use of background music. I would rather just watch the clips and listen to the interviewees sans music, thank you.

All in all, though, a very good documentary if you like SF films and enjoy the topic of science in the media.

It is easy to criticize the work you did not create. bean-d above is generally correct: the movie is outstanding; and we would have made it somewhat differently.

I agree, also, that the documentary ignored the shift in science fiction movies, of which perhaps 2001:A Space Odyssey was the fulcrum and Star Wars the lever. The failure of HAL- 9000 is left unresolved (though it is explained in 2010: The Year We Make Contact). In Star Wars, a "hokey old religion" overpowers a "technological terror." Unfortunately, Monsters from the Id goes into none of that, stopping with Project Apollo, and not leaving the cinema of the 1950s.

Another glitch was that cinema critic Richard Scheib says that science fiction movies were about "so much more" but he never elucidates. The entire film is about that "so much more" but I wondered what he had in mind.

That said, being of the generation, working as a technical writer, and a fan of science fiction, (though not a trufan), I enjoyed every one of the 92 minutes.