GUEST EDITORIAL: 4 Movies That Hilariously Downplay the Dangers of Electricity
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4 Movies That Hilariously Downplay the Dangers of Electricity
by Kevin Gardner
The film industry isn't known for promoting realism at all times. Plenty of films, even ones that took decades to make, don't bend over backward to get everything right. This is especially true when it comes to electricity. While many characters run into it, few ever suffer the consequences. If you'd like some examples, here are four movies that hilariously downplay the dangers of electricity,
1. Back To the Future
Back To the Future, along with several movies on this list, isn't exactly meant to be scientifically accurate. However, it's still worth taking a look at its portrayal of electricity. Spielberg's epic time travel classic involves a teenager attempting to get, well, back to the future. Since he (Marty) doesn't have enough energy available in the past, he and the Doc are forced to use lightning. The two plan to utilize the energy from a lightning strike and pass it through a current. That current will end up at the car, thus propelling it through time. Theoretically, this method could be effective in providing power. However, time travel aside, both the Doc and especially Marty aren't likely to have survived that. The image alone is enough to make anyone want shockwave therapy. So, unless you're certain that your time-traveling car works, don't try this at home.
2. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man movies have been getting a comeback recently, mainly due to the actor's growing popularity. However, while the first film is great, the second is known to have some glaring mistakes. One of these is the lack of safety precautions at Oscorp. After shocking himself, an engineer named Matt Dillon accidentally falls into a tank of electric eels. Regardless of the initial shock, one has to wonder why the tank didn't have a lid. Nevertheless, this accident results in Dillon gaining superpowers and seeking revenge. In real life, Spider-Man might have been spared from Dillon's antics. The electricity Dillon was attacked with would have killed him. If you're ever near a tank of electric eels, be sure to steer clear!
3. Frankenstein
The original Frankenstein film is an undeniable classic. The film, which is an adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel, has greatly inspired both horror and science fiction for nearly a century. However, the actual science involved isn't all that sound. After all, the film literally centers around a reanimated corpse. It's the act of reanimation that actually involves unrealistic electricity. In the film, Dr. Frankenstein raises a dead body into the sky. Frankenstein himself stands with the body in a storm. Eventually, lightning strikes a pole and begins the process of defying death. While this is certainly fun in principle, it should never be repeated outside of a film studio. Being outside in a lightning storm is already dangerous, not to mention the fact that Frankenstein is trying to harness the electricity. He's practically asking to be electrocuted. So, if you find yourself in the business of reanimating corpses, try to avoid this methodology.
4. The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The Sorcerer's Apprentice is, unfortunately, a Disney film that many have forgotten. Despite this, the movie has gained a cult following. It's funny, action-packed and full of cool magic scenes. Speaking of which, it's this magic that involves the use of electricity. The main character, David, is a physics student who discovers he has powers. One of the most powerful spells he uses greatly resembles electricity, which seems to be a theme for the character. Throughout the movie, David hints at a project he's been working on with Tesla coils. To be fair, David does attempt to exercise safety protocols earlier on (although getting so close to the active coils still seems far too dangerous. However, David's use of the coils in the finale could have been disastrous. For one thing, the Tesla coils are being used in a public park. People nearby could have been seriously injured! Also, David gets way too close to the electricity. So, if you find yourself battling Morgana anytime soon, be sure to use a less volatile spell.
Regardless of the accuracy surrounding electricity, each of these films deserves a watch. Stay safe and enjoy an electric movie night!
