Last night, the Coolidge Corner Theatre was crowded with science buffs eager to see Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and to hear about the physics that underlies its moments of airborne suspense.
But are martial arts flicks really based on physics?
Do you think this could be one of the impossible moves?
A scientist was there to tell us the answer. This movie was part of the Science on Screen series, where professors demonstrate how “getting” science principles can add zest to a regular diet of pop culture.
Andrew Cohen, who teaches a course at Boston University called Cinema Physica, explained how Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon violated the laws of physics. During ordinary-looking combat scenes, the law of conservation of momentum was suspended – just for a moment – at key points in the plot.
The results were visually striking. In a movie where people toss each other into somersaults as easily as they might hand each other a teapot, a punch or kick loses the impact it would have in a more peaceful film. But when the fighting suddenly becomes physically impossible, that contrast wakes up the audience.
This was the third time I saw this movie. But because I was watching for turning points – signaled by impossible physical feats – I paid extra attention to the story line and character development. While the actors leaped over buildings or flew backward in improbable positions, I was busy watching for clues to the plot.
Kat Friedrich 