For anyone who enjoys science, I recommend Alison Rose's STARMEN. But more broadly, I would recommend STARMEN to anyone. It represents a warm and intimate exposition on astronomy, age, and life.
Alison Rose follows four retired or semi-retired astronomers on a 50th reunion tour of the United States' Southwest. This subtle premise becomes a much more profound canvas on which to introduce the contributions made to science and astronomy by these four fascinating individuals. The film conveys enough of the science to understand the importance of these men in their field. Yet, Ms. Rose deftly avoids becoming overly technical or lost in the details. Her work and the film represent a wonderful introduction to these scientists and their place in our species' scientific examination of the heavens. And, for those interested in astronomy and science, it encourages further exploration of these four individuals.
Beyond the science, the film represents a warm portrait of four friends coming together after 50 years. All very successful, there exists no professional competition on screen between them. Rather, we join Ms. Rose and the four on their journey and reflection 50 years on.
I believe anyone can enjoy STARMEN. But, I would highly recommend the film as required viewing of any students of any discipline in college or graduate school. Akin to Dr. Keating poetically introducing his students to peers from the past through iconic photographs and their exhortation "Seize the Day," Alison Rose allows us to sit, walk, and converse with these astronomical giants. For those of us closer to the midpoint of our lives (in either direction), the film provides a warm opportunity to learn from our parents' contemporaries.
And to this latter point, I encourage us all - as perhaps Alison Rose suggests - to join our parents and grandparents in a conversation wherein our listening honors the wisdom they possess. Beyond this, we should all communicate with the elders of our respective disciplines and invite them for a walk to do the same. I think they might enjoy it. And, beyond the science, this realization is the subtle beauty of STARMEN and its contribution to astronomy, film, all manner of other disciplines, and our personal lives.
Alison Rose follows four retired or semi-retired astronomers on a 50th reunion tour of the United States' Southwest. This subtle premise becomes a much more profound canvas on which to introduce the contributions made to science and astronomy by these four fascinating individuals. The film conveys enough of the science to understand the importance of these men in their field. Yet, Ms. Rose deftly avoids becoming overly technical or lost in the details. Her work and the film represent a wonderful introduction to these scientists and their place in our species' scientific examination of the heavens. And, for those interested in astronomy and science, it encourages further exploration of these four individuals.
Beyond the science, the film represents a warm portrait of four friends coming together after 50 years. All very successful, there exists no professional competition on screen between them. Rather, we join Ms. Rose and the four on their journey and reflection 50 years on.
I believe anyone can enjoy STARMEN. But, I would highly recommend the film as required viewing of any students of any discipline in college or graduate school. Akin to Dr. Keating poetically introducing his students to peers from the past through iconic photographs and their exhortation "Seize the Day," Alison Rose allows us to sit, walk, and converse with these astronomical giants. For those of us closer to the midpoint of our lives (in either direction), the film provides a warm opportunity to learn from our parents' contemporaries.
And to this latter point, I encourage us all - as perhaps Alison Rose suggests - to join our parents and grandparents in a conversation wherein our listening honors the wisdom they possess. Beyond this, we should all communicate with the elders of our respective disciplines and invite them for a walk to do the same. I think they might enjoy it. And, beyond the science, this realization is the subtle beauty of STARMEN and its contribution to astronomy, film, all manner of other disciplines, and our personal lives.