Neuroscience in Science Fiction Films

by Sharon Packer

Neuroscience in Science Fiction in Films traces the intertwining paths of SF film, psychiatry, and neuroscience, showing how they cross-pollinate one another, sometimes predicting scientific advances or paradigm shifts in psychiatry. Starting with the pre-film era, this book highlights the literary origins of 20th century cinematic scientists. A distinctive SF subgenre pertaining to brain-mediated behavior becomes apparent: "neuroscience fiction." We identify links between neuroscience and genetics, transplant medicine, "gland therapy" (anti-aging medicine), even infectious disease, and changing definitions of death (to brain death). The continuum between "simian cinema" brain-exchanges of the 1920s is highlighted. The big-brained aliens of classic 1950s SF are treated as metaphors for brains' increasing importance, soon after a lobotomist became a Nobel Laureate, when Freudian-influenced melodramas were more esteemed than SF film. This text links classical and romantic era automatons to RoboCop, Iron Man, and recent bio-engineering feats that overcome paralysis. We show how recent movies about memory enhancers and memory erasers reflect contemporary preoccupations with Alzheimer's and PTSD--although SF pioneer HG Wells tackled similar topics in 1901. SF tropes about brain drains and brain chips are likened to schizophrenic delusions described in 1919. Crossovers between neuroscience fiction films and cyberpunk stories merit much discussion.

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2014

Reviews

[George Higham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind-bending study of brain science AND science fiction. Dr. Packer has a preference for 50's era "Big Brained Alien" movies, but handles everything from early cinema (think LOTS of ape/human brain transplants) to recent blockbusters like Iron Man 3 with equal skill. She mainly discusses film and its parallel timeline to shifts in psychiatry and developments in neuroscience , but important contributions from other media (like television's Star Trek) are also considered.
Where else can you find Dr. Jekyll, Saucer Men, Robo-Cop, Frankenstein, the Metaluna Mutant, the Planet of the Apes, Limitless, Mr. Spock, the Colossus of New York AND Iron Man - all together in ONE BOOK!
Much fun, and not just a "good read," but a great one!

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my forthcoming review in Isis ...