The authors’ common reaction to chemistry in the movies is encapsulated in the archetype movies. These are, first and foremost, great movies that present certain facets of chemistry especially well. They were selected from a much larger group of movies by ranking according to four criteria: (1) contemporary (meaning released after 1970), (2) available on VHS or DVD, (3) included women or other underrepresented groups in significant roles, or (4) was especially favored by one or both of the authors. It became clear from the ranking exercise that older films overcame the criterion of not being recent when they were favored by both authors. We felt they represented the archetype for that chapter and merited special attention. The oldest archetype movie is the 1931 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, making it the book’s de facto archetype and reiterating its importance as the book’s overarching theme. Considered as a whole, the five chapters on the “dark side” show chemists, sociopaths, chemical companies, and pleasure seekers making one-sided decisions that ultimately harm themselves and society. After Jekyll becomes addicted to his Hyde formula, he commits acts of personal terrorism and then murder. Griffin works alone to isolate his invisibility formula because he seeks fame, wealth, and power. Once he knows those things are within his grasp, it drives him mad to the point that he commits mass murder. Dr. Mabuse isn’t a chemist, but he is already insane when he commands his army of thugs to engage in acts of chemical sabotage. He wants to begin a “reign of terror.” Reporter Jason Brady learns that a president knows his chemical company produces a toxin that kills his workers and the children living near the plant. He won’t stop production because it would deprive the community of employment. Finally, television director Paul Groves takes his first LSD trip to get in touch with his feelings. While under the influence, he flees the apartment of a guide who was there to ensure he had a good experience. “Bright side” chemists usually work in teams and rely on other people for critical input—they are engaged with society.
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in soil: The dark side of nature and the bright side of life
