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Item Allow me to introduce you to: an argument for the efficacy of portrait filmmaking in science communication(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2021) Hill, Nicholas Scott; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Theo LipfertMedia influences how we perceive the world. Reductive portrayals of scientists in literature and motion pictures have contributed to negative connotations of scientists and scientific fields. In a culture of personality where a person's credentials are linked to their likability, breaking these connotations is crucial. If the goal of science communication in documentary is to inform the public about scientific principles, research, or new discoveries; using portrait filmmaking can assist in meeting that end. Effective use of portraiture filmmaking in science communication can help show that scientists are much more complex than some media have portrayed them. They are people, with real passion about the field they are exploring as well as for other aspects of life. When a filmmaker shows a scientist as a character with more depth than just their profession, they can create empathy and connection between viewers and scientists. If viewers can relate to the scientists, they may be more receptive to the field or the research the scientists are passionate about. In this paper, I suggest that the use of portraiture filmmaking in science communication is an effective tool to use in showing the public that scientists are relatable people, not reductive representations of their profession.Item Female scientists in film: embracing duality with the heroine's journey(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2019) Sagatov, Anna Irina; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Dennis AigThere is a dearth of women in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. Film and television reflects this reality, and women scientist characters are often depicted as lacking in complexity or subordinate to their male counterparts. This thesis examines the deficiencies of filmic depictions of women scientist characters in dramatic films of the past and suggests using Maureen Murdoch's Heroine's Journey story structure to create more independent and complex women scientist characters in film. Inspired by this approach , the paper then discusses the dramatic narrative thesis film Bar Flies , which challenges audiences to consider the social , professional , and personal dilemmas a young woman scientist character faces while navigating her career and personal life.Item Changing image of a scientist and science(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2015) Gedeon, Zuzana; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Dennis AigThere is an emerging trend in films that represent the process of scientific inquiry through anchoring of the narrative around the scientist rather than delving deep into scientific detail. While film can help explain scientific results, it is even better suited to help us understand scientific inquiry and a way of thinking. I will present several films that exemplify this trend of adding personal stories to science films starting with Science Is Fiction: 23 Films by Jean Painlevé, through Cosmos and Particle Fever. We will even touch on fictional films like The Theory of Everything. While we may distinguish between fiction and nonfiction in the area of science, some fiction films play a similar role in popularizing science to that originally reserved for non-fiction, especially when they present the lives and potential motivations of scientists. Presenting personal views of scientists may directly contrast with the guidelines established during the Enlightenment, which asserted that scientific discourse should be a-contextual, impersonal, factual and precise (Zerbe 33). In this study, I argue that, this new trend of presenting science as personal journey is more aligned with the postmodernist understanding of direct involvement of the author in the subject. The advantage of presenting a scientist in a science film is twofold. Using personal stories can help us better understand scientific culture, and it can also provide audience with potential role models. As we will see from the film My Way these role models can inspire future scientists. This may be especially true for underrepresented population in science, whether the underrepresentation is due to their gender or their ethnic background.Item Filmmaking and science : who has the right?(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2011) Spadola, Quinn Acelia; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Cindy Stillwell; Theo Lipfert (co-chair)This paper examines the relative lack of female filmmakers and physical scientists through the lens of authority. I argue that authority comes from other's confidence in one's ability to be a scientist or filmmaker. This confidence is, in part, related to how well a person fits a stereotype and belongs to the social group deemed to own the knowledge needed. Due to their analogous histories of development, the stereotypes of a scientist and a filmmaker are remarkably similar and designed to exclude women. As a result, women are not granted authority in these fields as readily as men. Some women have found ways to co-opt authority and become successful. However, until they are deemed rightful owners of the knowledge of scientists and filmmakers, women will be underrepresented in these fields.