Lykke, Nina (Author)
Bryld, Mette (Author)
Polhem: Tidskrift för Teknikhistoria
Volume: 22
Pages: 90--107
The Theatre of Proof: The Science Documentary Genre and Readings of Lennart Nilsson With examples from world famous science photographer Lennart Nilsson's films and photo-series on human reproduction, we analyse paradoxes of the science documentary genre. We discuss, how the paradoxes are generated by tensions between, on the one hand, the ultramodern ambitions of the genre, its intentions of opening transparent windows to a pure authentic nature, and, on the other hand, its exposure of hybrid networks of sociocultural and biological dimensions and its use of dramatic strategies to present its messages in a both scientifically convincing and entertaining way. As a theoretical frame of reference, we use French science studies scholar Bruno Latour's reflexions on the paradoxes of modern science and his analysis of its strategies of presentation in the shape of theatres of proof . We illustrate our points via readings of Nilsson's most recent film on human reproduction Kärlekens Mirakel (2000)/Life's Greatest Miracle (2001) and with a discussion of the ways, in which his films and photo-series have been used to scientifically legitimate very different sexual morals and conception narratives.
...MoreDescription On Nilsson's famous work (both his films and photo series) on human reproduction.
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