Scientists in fiction

September 2019

The popular image of a scientist is that of a man with unkempt hair wearing a white coat and spectacles, who is a mad, antisocial genius.

The article How does the image of the scientist appear in short animation films?, published in the latest issue of HCSM (vol.26 no.3 July/Sept. 2019) seeks to understand how science and scientists are portrayed in short films presented at 21 editions of Anima Mundi, the International Animation Festival of Brazil, from 1993 to 2013.

Gabriela Reznik, doctoral student at UFRJ, Luiza Massarani, researcher at Fiocruz and Ildeu de Castro Moreira, professor of the department of Theoretical Physics at UFRJ, investigated animation films to reflect on the repertoire of meanings and images that have an impact on the imaginary of science and scientists. Their study concludes, among others: scientists appear in 80% of the films – mostly white men, wearing a white coat or uniform, in secret laboratories;  women scientists are notable for their underrepresentation in the films; one key focus of the narratives  is the explanation of scientific processes;  the analysis draws attention to the existence of films addressing emerging topics like biotechnology, genetic engineering, climate change, and space science. Related articles in Manguinhos: Medical documentary films under Franco’s regime – It explores the role of film and medical discourses in legitimating strategies of Franco’s fascist regime in Spain.