Honors Biology in the Movies

Questionnaire for "The Fly" (1986 version): to be completed after viewing the film and before doing the assigned readings.

1. Ignoring the exact procedure that is used in this film, do you think that it is possible to combine the genes of different animals to form a new functional animal, i.e., one that can breath, eat, and perform all of the other functions necessary for its survival?

Yes No

2. To your knowledge, has such an experiment ever been accomplished? If so, what two animals have been combined in this way?

Yes No

3. Can you think of any scientific, medical, or social purpose for producing such a creature?

4. Can you suggest some reasons why such an experiment may not be possible?

5. How is the motivation of the scientist for the science portrayed in the film?

specify:

6. How would you rate the scientist's competence and intelligence as a scientist as portrayed in the film?

Specify any exceptional personality traits that distinguish the scientist from other scientists and/or other people.

6. As portrayed in the film, does the science become a benefit or threat to people?

Specify how exactly the science benefits or threatens people, i.e., does it affect individuals or society in general, does it affect physical safety, individual rights, moral principles, etc.?

7. If a threat, what is the reason that the science becomes a threat to people?

8. What is the action taken to counter the threat and is it successful?

9. Is there a lesson learned and how is it conveyed to the audience (e.g., by the outcome of events, by characters discussing the significance of events, by a voice over to the audience, or a textual epilogue).