Movies Under the Microscope: Real Genius
Date
October 22 I 7:30 pm (Doors at 6 pm)–10 pm
Location
Tickets
$25 General Admission
$20 for Members
Free parking included for ticket holders in the NHM Car Park
Step back into the 80s, a decade where sci-fi blockbusters and quirky cult classics tackled real scientific marvels, Cold War fears, and predictions for the future. Join us for a special film screening featuring expert-led discussions, lively pre-screening receptions, and a fun look at what 80s sci-fi got both right and hilariously wrong.
Real Genius (1985) | October 22
Featuring guests Dr. David Saltzberg, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA and science consultant on The Big Bang Theory and Oppenheimer, Cody Ziglar, comic and writer for Futurama and Rick and Morty, and Jason Patrick Galit, Lead Consultant for InterMyth and Pop Culture Educator.
Science whiz kid Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret) arrives at Pacific Tech as a freshman and pairs up with genius senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work on a laser project. Mitch initially doesn't care for Knight's slacker attitude, but is eventually won over, and their friendship allows them to make new progress on the laser project only to learn that the project has a more sinister purpose. Directed by Martha Coolidge (Valley Girl, Rambling Rose).
What to Expect:
- 6 pm-7:30 pm: Pre-Screening activation in the lobby with live all vinyl 80s DJ set from mikecmusic, specially curated items from NHM’s History Collection, and special pop-ups from Fanbase Press and 1984 Vintage
- 7:30 pm: Screening of Real Genius (1985) in NHM’s Commons Theater
- Engaging post-screening discussion featuring guests Dr. David Saltzberg, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA and science consultant on The Big Bang Theory and Oppenheimer, Cody Ziglar, comic and writer for Futurama and Rick and Morty, and Jason Patrick Galit, Lead Consultant for InterMyth and Pop Culture Educator, moderated by Joel Quizon, NHM
David Saltzberg is Distinguished Professor at UCLA, where he studies elementary particles. He was a science consultant for The Big Bang Theory, where he met with writers, set decorators, prop masters, etc. He subsequently consulted on Manhattan, The Leftovers, Scijinks, The Watchmen, Young Sheldon, Oppenheimer, and the upcoming Einstein. Asteroid “8628 Davidsaltzberg” is named after him.
Cody Ziglar is an Emmy nominated LA based writer, director, and producer. He's best known for Futurama, Rick & Morty, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Robot Chicken, and Craig of the Creek. His comic-book work includes Static for DC and Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Deadpool, and Spider-Punk for Marvel Comics. Cody's a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design Film & Television MFA program and has produced podcasts for Earwolf, iHeartRadio, and UCB Comedy. And directed videos featured on Funny or Die, Cracked, WhoHaha, and more.
Jason Patrick Galit (also known as JPG) is a Filipino-American "pop culture educator" and consultant based in Southern California. A featured public speaker for conventions like San Diego Comic-Con & Gen Con Indianapolis, his work focuses on how pop culture enhances learning outside of the classroom and in everyday life. Specializing in pop culture societal impact, content creation, and brand management, JPG also runs the consultancy firm InterMyth, whose aim is to help marginalized and disenfranchised creators build opportunities in the spaces they love.
Mike Cimicata aka mikecmusic believes the key to understanding music lies in learning as much as possible about how it is made. A versatile historian and DJ, he has directed hundreds of acclaimed archival projects for many of the best-selling artists of all time, from Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, and Aretha Franklin to Dolly Parton, The Kinks, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Reserve your tickets today!
Discover the entire Movies Under the Microscope lineup and explore more exciting screenings this season.