Astronaut Chris Hadfield Breaks Down Space Movies | Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair

24 Mar 202035:57

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this insightful video script, astronaut Chris Hadfield shares his unique perspective on various space-themed movies, providing both praise and critique from a real-life space traveler's point of view. He humorously critiques the inaccuracies in films like 'Gravity' and 'Armageddon,' while appreciating the scientific consultation behind 'The Martian.' Hadfield also discusses the portrayal of astronauts, the feasibility of certain space scenarios, and the emotional depth of space travel as depicted in movies. His commentary reflects a blend of admiration for the artistry of cinema and the practicalities of actual space exploration, offering viewers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the realities of space through an astronaut's eyes.

Takeaways

🚀 Chris Hadfield, a retired astronaut, shares insights on the accuracy and realism of various space movies, providing a unique astronaut's perspective.
🎬 Hadfield discusses the use of real-life experiences, such as his own, to inform cinematic portrayals of space, including the lighting in 'Interstellar'.
🪐 The physics of space travel is often misrepresented in movies for dramatic effect, as seen in 'Gravity', where satellites and orbital debris are depicted inaccurately.
🧑‍🚀 Astronaut behavior in movies is sometimes inaccurately portrayed; real astronauts are highly trained and do not panic or behave erratically in space, as shown in 'Gravity'.
🌌 'Passengers' inaccurately depicts the effects of gravity and centrifugal force on a spaceship, and the consequences of its loss.
🌠 'Armageddon' contains numerous scientific inaccuracies, such as the feasibility of landing on an asteroid and the portrayal of real-time communication.
🔥 'The Martian' is praised for its realistic depiction of space travel and problem-solving, with science sourced and validated by experts.
🌪 'Interstellar' explores complex concepts like black holes and time dilation, but some scientific aspects are challenging to portray accurately in a movie.
👨‍🚀 The portrayal of astronauts in 'First Man' is criticized for lacking the joy and camaraderie experienced in real space missions.
📚 'Hidden Figures' is appreciated for highlighting the important but lesser-known contributions of certain individuals to the space program.
✨ '2001: A Space Odyssey' is commended for its accurate and artistic representation of space travel and the experience of being an astronaut.

Q & A

How did the crew of 'Interstellar' use a clip of Chris Hadfield to influence their lighting design?
-The crew of 'Interstellar' studied a clip of Chris Hadfield on the International Space Station where he performed a cover of a David Bowie song. They used this clip to understand how light actually behaves on a spaceship and mirrored that effect when lighting Matt McConaughey's face in the film.
What is one major inaccuracy in the depiction of satellite speed in the movie 'Gravity'?
-In 'Gravity', a satellite is shown moving at about 120 miles per hour, which is far from accurate. In reality, satellites orbit at speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour.
Why does Chris Hadfield believe that the character portrayal in 'Gravity' could be misleading for young girls?
-Chris Hadfield feels that the portrayal of Sandra Bullock's character as panicking and clueless in the face of problems could set back a young girl's vision of what a woman astronaut could be. He suggests that real astronauts are well-trained, composed, and capable, which is not reflected in the character.
How does Chris Hadfield describe the use of centrifugal force to create artificial gravity in a spaceship?
-Chris Hadfield explains that by spinning a spaceship in a centrifuge, centrifugal force can pin people against the outer part of the ship, creating a sensation similar to gravity. This is a method that could potentially be used in long space journeys to simulate gravity.
What is one scientific inaccuracy pointed out by Chris Hadfield in the movie 'Passengers'?
-In 'Passengers', when the spaceship stops spinning, it is implied that gravity is suddenly lost. However, Chris Hadfield points out that to stop a spinning ship, significant force would be required, and it wouldn't happen instantly, contrary to the portrayal in the movie.
Why does Chris Hadfield think that the movie 'The Martian' is a good representation of what being an astronaut is like?
-Chris Hadfield appreciates 'The Martian' because it was informed by accurate science and the main character, Mark Watney, embodies the qualities of a real astronaut: a strong academic background, operational sense, and the ability to improvise solutions to problems.
What was the significance of the phrase 'Houston, we have a problem' in the context of the Apollo 13 mission?
-The phrase 'Houston, we have a problem' marked a critical moment during the Apollo 13 mission. It signaled a serious issue to mission control and led to an immediate halt in normal operations, focusing all attention on resolving the crisis.
How does Chris Hadfield feel about the depiction of time dilation in 'Interstellar'?
-Chris Hadfield acknowledges that time dilation is a real effect due to the intense gravitational forces near a black hole, as depicted in 'Interstellar'. However, he notes that the extent of the effect in the movie is greatly exaggerated for dramatic purposes.
What is Chris Hadfield's opinion on the sound effects in the movie 'First Man'?
-Chris Hadfield criticizes the sound effects in 'First Man', stating that the noises, such as the rattling and the engine sounds, are not accurate representations of what an astronaut would hear in a spacecraft.
Why does Chris Hadfield think that the portrayal of the space environment in '2001: A Space Odyssey' was so impactful?
-Chris Hadfield praises '2001: A Space Odyssey' for its realistic and artistic portrayal of space, including the careful ballet of spacecraft docking and the depiction of microgravity effects inside the spacecraft.
What is the main criticism Chris Hadfield has about the movie 'Ad Astra' regarding the lunar rover chase scene?
-Chris Hadfield criticizes 'Ad Astra' for its unrealistic depiction of sound during the lunar rover chase scene. He points out that, since there is no atmosphere on the moon, all sounds would be inaudible except those made inside the spacecraft or spacesuits.
How does Chris Hadfield describe the experience of seeing the aurora from space during his spacewalks?
-Chris Hadfield describes the experience as surreal and beyond magic, akin to surfing on the northern lights. He emphasizes the profound beauty and the reverence one feels when witnessing such phenomena from space.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 The Reality Behind Space Movies

Chris Hadfield, a seasoned astronaut, shares insights on the accuracy of space movies. He discusses the lighting techniques used in 'Interstellar', inspired by actual space footage, and critiques 'Gravity' for its unrealistic portrayal of satellite speed and physics-defying scenarios. Hadfield also comments on the behavior of astronauts in movies versus reality, emphasizing the professionalism and preparation of real astronauts.

05:02

🌌 The Challenges of Space Travel in Cinema

Hadfield examines the plausibility of scenarios in 'Passengers', 'Armageddon', and 'The Martian'. He questions the logic behind creating artificial gravity through centrifugal force, the sudden loss and restoration of gravity, and the depiction of communication with mission control in real-time. He also addresses the scientific inaccuracies in 'Armageddon' and appreciates the scientific consultation behind 'The Martian'.

10:03

🚀 Apollo 13: A Space Drama Close to Reality

Hadfield praises 'Apollo 13' for its realistic portrayal of space travel and problem-solving during crises. He highlights the film's adherence to actual radio communication protocols and the accurate representation of the scramble to find solutions in the face of life-threatening malfunctions. The movie, directed by Ron Howard, is commended for its attention to detail and historical accuracy.

15:05

🌟 Interstellar: A Journey Through Space and Time

The astronaut delves into the scientific and theoretical aspects of 'Interstellar', discussing the visualization of a black hole, the concept of time dilation, and the emotional conclusion driven by love. Hadfield expresses skepticism about certain scientific liberties taken in the film, particularly regarding black holes and time travel, while acknowledging the film's ambitious attempt to blend science with storytelling.

20:06

👨‍🚀 First Man: The Human Side of Space Exploration

Hadfield reflects on 'First Man', focusing on the film's historical inaccuracies and emotional tone. He corrects misconceptions about the X-15 flight, the portrayal of space and sound, and the overall somber depiction of space travel. The astronaut emphasizes the joy and camaraderie experienced by real astronauts, suggesting the film missed an opportunity to capture the exhilaration of space flight.

25:06

🔢 The Mathematics of Space Travel in Cinema

Hadfield discusses the importance of mathematical principles in space travel as depicted in 'Hidden Figures' and 'Ad Astra'. He appreciates the recognition of the mathematicians and engineers behind early space missions and the practical aspects of space combat shown in 'Ad Astra'. The astronaut also touches on the feasibility of guns operating in space and the silent nature of the lunar surface.

30:11

🎬 The Artistry and Science of Space Movies

In '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'WALL-E', Hadfield finds a blend of artistic vision and scientific accuracy. He describes the前者 as a masterpiece that accurately predicted the experience of space flight and the latter as a delightful study of orbital mechanics using a fire extinguisher for propulsion. The astronaut also critiques a scene from 'Sunshine' for its unrealistic portrayal of Mercury's orbit and visibility against the sun.

35:13

🌍 The Awe of Space and Our Place in the Universe

Hadfield concludes with a reflection on the sense of awe and the human scale in the vast universe, as depicted in a scene from an unnamed movie. He relates his personal experiences of seeing Earth from space and emphasizes the profound effect of witnessing the aurora from space. The astronaut encourages viewing space movies through the lens of personal experience and scientific understanding.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Space Station

A space station is a large, human-made structure that orbits the Earth and serves as a habitat and laboratory for astronauts. In the video, Chris Hadfield mentions his experience on the International Space Station (ISS), where he performed spacewalks and conducted experiments. The ISS is a central theme as it represents the reality of space living and the contrast to the fictional depictions in movies.

💡Spacewalk

A spacewalk, also known as extravehicular activity (EVA), is when an astronaut operates outside a spacecraft while in space. Chris Hadfield talks about his own spacewalks and critiques the portrayal of spacewalks in movies like 'Gravity'. The concept is important as it highlights the technical and physical challenges astronauts face, which are often misrepresented in films.

💡Asteroid

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun. In the script, Hadfield discusses the unrealistic depiction of an asteroid in the movie 'Armageddon'. Asteroids are significant in the context of space travel and hazards, and their portrayal in the film is criticized for straying from scientific accuracy.

💡Black Hole

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. The concept is discussed in relation to the movie 'Interstellar'. Black holes are a fascinating aspect of space and represent a challenge to our understanding of physics, which the video explores from both a scientific and a cinematic perspective.

💡Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal force is the apparent force that draws a body away from the center of a circular path. In the context of the video, Hadfield talks about the use of centrifugal force to create artificial gravity in space, as depicted in the movie 'Passengers'. This concept is crucial for understanding one of the solutions to the problem of prolonged weightlessness in space travel.

💡Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing

Carbon dioxide scrubbing refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide from the air, which is essential for maintaining a breathable atmosphere in a closed environment like a spaceship. This process is highlighted in the discussion of the movie 'Apollo 13', where the crew must jury-rig a solution to remove CO2 after a malfunction. It's a critical concept for understanding life support systems in space missions.

💡Orbital Mechanics

Orbital mechanics is the study of the motions of celestial bodies in space, such as how they move around each other due to gravity. The video references orbital mechanics in the context of the movie 'Hidden Figures', which tells the story of the mathematicians who calculated trajectories for spaceflights. Orbital mechanics is fundamental to space travel and is portrayed as a complex but essential aspect of astronautics.

💡Space Debris

Space debris, also known as space junk, consists of defunct man-made objects orbiting the Earth. In the video, Hadfield points out the unrealistic portrayal of space debris in 'Gravity', where it is shown moving at a much slower speed than in reality. Understanding space debris is important as it poses a significant risk to operational spacecraft and astronauts.

💡Escape Velocity

Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed for an object to break free from the gravitational influence of a celestial body like a planet or moon without further propulsion. The concept is mentioned in relation to the movie 'Ad Astra', where Hadfield discusses the possibility of a bullet fired on the moon reaching escape velocity. Escape velocity is a key concept in space travel and rocket science.

💡Spaceflight

Spaceflight is the act of traveling through outer space. The video script frequently touches on the realities of spaceflight, contrasting them with the often sensationalized or inaccurate depictions in movies. Spaceflight is the central theme of the video, as Hadfield provides insights from his personal experiences as an astronaut and critiques the portrayal of spaceflight in various films.

💡Astronaut Behavior

Astronaut behavior refers to the conduct and decision-making processes expected of astronauts in real-life situations, which are often at odds with how they are depicted in movies. Hadfield discusses this in the context of the movie 'Gravity', where he feels the characters' actions are not representative of actual astronaut training and behavior. This keyword is important for understanding the professional and psychological training astronauts undergo.

Highlights

Chris Hadfield, an astronaut and Colonel in the Air Force, shared insights on the accuracy of space scenes in various movies.

Hadfield revealed that the crew of 'Interstellar' studied his ISS video to replicate accurate spaceship lighting.

In 'Gravity', the depiction of satellite speed and physics during Sandra Bullock's scene was criticized for being unrealistic.

Hadfield pointed out that the portrayal of astronauts in 'Gravity' did not align with real astronaut behavior.

The concept of artificial gravity through centrifugal force in 'Passengers' was discussed by Hadfield.

Water behavior in zero gravity, as shown in 'Passengers', was accurately portrayed according to Hadfield's experience.

Hadfield critiqued 'Armageddon' for multiple scientific inaccuracies, including real-time communication with mission control.

In 'The Martian', the scientific approach to growing potatoes on Mars was praised for its realism.

Hadfield appreciated 'Apollo 13' for its realistic depiction of problem-solving in space missions.

The depiction of a black hole and time dilation in 'Interstellar' was based on real scientific calculations.

Hadfield shared that he aged slightly slower in space due to time dilation effects.

The portrayal of Neil Armstrong in 'First Man' was criticized for lacking the joy associated with space flight.

The historical and mathematical work that enabled space travel, as shown in 'Hidden Figures', was appreciated by Hadfield.

The chase scene on the moon in 'Ad Astra' was critiqued for inaccurate sound effects and vehicle design.

'2001: A Space Odyssey' was praised for its accurate and artistic portrayal of space and space flight.

The use of a fire extinguisher for propulsion in 'WALL-E' was noted to be a clever demonstration of orbital mechanics.

The scene in 'Sunshine' where Mercury transits the sun was criticized for unrealistic planetary motion and visibility.

Hadfield emphasized the awe and reverence one feels when observing Earth from space, a sentiment reflected in some movies.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

AP Physics Workbook 3.L Interia in Space

The Beautiful Horror of Deep Space

Colour In Storytelling

Things You Thought You Knew About X-Rays, Rocket Science and Airplanes

Carlo Rovelli on physics and philosophy

Ex-Cocaine Smuggler Breaks Down 8 Drug Smuggling Scenes in Movies and TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Related Tags

Space Movies Astronaut Reviews Realism in Film Space Exploration Zero Gravity Sci-Fi Critique Aerospace Engineering Cinematic Accuracy Space Travel Chris Hadfield