In today’s The New York Times, an Arts section headline caught my eye: “Pentagon’s New Goal: Put Science Into Scripts” Twenty-five thousand dollars in Pentagon research grants is paying for the scriptwriting education of a group of mid-career researchers, engineers, chemists and physicists.
“Fewer and fewer students are pursuing science and engineering. While immigrants are taking up the slack in many areas, defense laboratories and industries generally require American citizenship or permanent residency. So a crisis is looming, unless careers in science and engineering suddenly become hugely popular, said Robert J. Barker, an Air Force program manager who approved the grant. And what better way to get a lot of young people interested in science than by producing movies and television shows that depict scientists in flattering ways?”
My first three thoughts were:
1. If it works for science, maybe it will work for jazz and classical music — or maybe not. Fabulous movie music is usually that which achieves its goals without the audience taking notice. It serves to heighten the story, and story is what movies are all about. Stories thrive on conflict and obstacles. Movies that showcase jazz (“‘Round Midnight” and “Bird”) tend to highlight those whose drug-filled lives provide the requisite tension and contrast to the beauty of the music. Movies that showcase classical music (say Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” or “Amadeus” directed by Milos Forman) appeal to a more mature audience, one that is already in the choir.
2. It could backfire: I like to watch CSI, but I have no interest in becoming a forensic scientist. With three shows on each week, I’ve become so familiar with luminal and the evolution of maggots that the job has no more and no less allure than that of lawyer or doctor.
3. They want to grab the kids, so they’ll probably focus on laser swords and explosives rather than medicines and fuel efficiency. If we want scientists and musicians to be cool, then we’ve got to reshape our values, instill more inclusive social ideals in our youth to negate the me, myself and I mentality, and better appreciate those whose work brings rewards other than monetary gain, rewards that may be aesthetic, intangible, and/or immeasurable.
What do you think? Send me an email (without the spaces): devra @ devra do write . com