The Fly Reaction Paper

           Last Thursday, the entire STS class were made to watch the 1958 version of the American science fiction movie entitled “The Fly.” As a student unravelling the mysteries hidden in the universe of science, I found the film’s plot quite interesting as it exhibited futuristic technologies such as the matter transporting device called the disintegrator-integrator; add to the fact that the idea was conceptualized way back in 1958. However, the film lost me in the midst of very slow pacing as it was unable to keep up with its horrific and dreadful start.

            The story revolved around a scientist named Andre Delambre, who represents a person who has the burden to discover and develop new technology for the benefit of humankind. However, in his pursuit, he was able to sacrifice his life. The film touched on the concept of morality ranging from the mere use of animals as test subjects, up to the concept of euthanasia where the wife was asked to kill her husband. Science and technology may have a great impact towards a better world, but it also has the capacity to backfire when inappropriately used and abused. Cliché as it may be, but the quote from Spiderman stands still, “with great power comes great responsibility.”

          Around half a century has passed since the film’s birth and it is evident that people back then had a forward perspective to break scientific barriers and further improve lives. However, as exhibited by the famous paradox of Erwin Schrodinger, a cat is both dead and alive while inside a box. The only thing to determine which one is by opening. In the film’s case, curiosity killed the scientist.