Onscreen chemistry: New book considers the portrayal of chemical science in film and TV

Posted on: 17 February 2025

Discover the real-life chemistry that inspires the art, and the impact entertainment can have on our perception of chemistry in the real-world. Delve into the depths of this intertwining story as art imitates life and investigate the role chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures.

Dr O’Donoghue is an award-winning science communicator and chemistry education researcher based in Trinity’s School of Chemistry, where he coordinates the science communication training for PhD students.

He said: “Onscreen Chemistry tells the story of chemistry in the movies and on TV, from the very beginning of photography in the 19th century, right up to modern times. For the first time, the entire history of chemistry in moving pictures is explored and condensed into a narrative format for easy reading.

“The resulting story takes an exciting and ever-changing journey, from the gothic horror of Frankenstein (1931) to the fun and inventive Monkey Business (1952), to the industrial accidents in Silkwood (1983), to the chemistry classroom of October Sky (1999) and into space with the Martian (2015).”

Onscreen Chemistry also investigates the portrayal of chemists over time. Are chemists always portrayed as relentless in their quest, like Sidney Stratton (Alec Guinness) creating a bright, stain proof, nigh-on Indestructible fabric in The Man in the White Suit (1951)? Is there any real-world basis for Emma Russell’s (Elisabeth Shue) formula for cold fusion in The Saint (1997). Are the dangers and risks of forever chemicals accurately portrayed in Dark Waters (2019)? What does Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) teach us about cooking and baking through her Lessons in Chemistry (2023)? And, of course, did Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) switch from teaching to narcotics in Breaking Bad (2007-2013) influence the real-world image of chemistry?

Delve into the depths of this intertwining and ever-evolving story as art imitates life and investigate the role that chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures. Hear about the fictional and real-life chemists who have graced the silver screen and the small screen, as John searches for the origins of the ‘mad scientist’ image.

Onscreen Chemistry also uncovers the good, the bad and the ugly, while exploring the unique duality of chemistry with movies like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Recently, chemistry in film and TV has seen a welcome revival with new, diverse and positive representations through the excellent Lessons in Chemistry (2023) and Elemental (2023). Is this beginning of a new golden age for onscreen chemistry?  

You can find out more about the book on the Royal Society of Chemistry website, where there is a discount of 30% until the end of February 2025 using the code: ONSCREEN30.

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