For the Love of Science

Watching Thy Fly (1958) was a cathartic experience. What made it more interesting was how advanced their projection of the future was. It may have been in 1958 when it was released but the scientific experiment involved is still being pursued today. The film was brilliantly written and directed enough to make people think about what’s going to happen next and to involve themselves in the dilemma of each of the characters in the movie.

The film was a critique but at the same time exaltation of scientists and even of the field of science. It was a critique on science since it was still perceived as a field that meddles with the forces of nature, disrupting its regular function. Doing so may lead to terrible, and at times irreversible, consequences. On the other hand, it can be seen as an exaltation of science because it paves way for invention, innovation, and the venture to unchartered territories. The transporter device is a brilliant example of both commentaries to science as it exhibits both the positive and negative effects of science.  At one point it may be able to transport people from point A to point B but it also led to the unfortunate accident that ultimately claimed the life of Andre Delambre.

The film can also be considered as a morality play. It was not made to just show people how complex science is. The film presents a moral dilemma of whether one could play god at the risk of unforeseen consequences or one could just go on with life without discovering what is out there that may lead to further development. In the end, our search for truth may be lead to advancement and development but we must also be mindful that this will not have been done at something or someone else’s expense.    

Lara Gianina S. Reyes

2010 - 11072