Chapter 1: The Challenge of Representing Intelligence

Recently, I found myself engrossed in Apple TV's adaptation of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. Up until the fourth episode (the current count at the time of writing), I must say, they've captured the essence quite well. However, I noticed an unsettling portrayal of advanced mathematics that caught my attention.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the series, it revolves around a mathematician who has merged mathematics with psychology and history to create a concept called psychohistory—essentially a form of predictive mathematics. It’s a fascinating idea, and one day, I believe, that’s the direction in which our mathematical endeavors will evolve.

What troubled me, though, was the depiction of one of the mathematician's assistants. She seems to think entirely in mathematical terms, often fixating on prime numbers (those numbers greater than one that cannot be expressed as a product of two smaller natural numbers). As she engages in other tasks, she keeps reciting large prime numbers, which aims to convey to viewers just how advanced her mathematical thinking is.

However, this representation is not as impressive as it seems. To someone with a grasp of prime numbers, this portrayal feels rather simplistic. While it may create an illusion of brilliance for those less familiar with math, it comes off as repetitive and somewhat trivial to those who do understand the subject.

This led me to reflect on Hollywood’s frequent attempts to depict intelligence for an audience that may not be particularly well-versed in complex subjects. Let’s be honest; the average viewer of television or film may not possess the intellectual acumen of a Mensa member. While some viewers might fit into that category, most content is crafted to resonate with individuals at a sixth-grade to high school level of understanding. This isn’t meant to belittle viewers; rather, it acknowledges the reality of the media we consume.

Years ago, I read Robert Heinlein's science fiction novel, Number of the Beast, which employs mathematics to delve into themes of divinity and spirituality. At the time, I found myself overwhelmed by the numerical concepts Heinlein presented, often only grasping a fraction of the material. This experience highlighted for me the existence of individuals whose intellect far surpasses the average person’s, yet they may struggle to convey their insights effectively. Ironically, most of Heinlein's other works are entirely accessible; it was just that particular novel that bewildered me.

Despite having gained several advanced degrees since then, I’ve never revisited that book. Why? Because I secretly suspect that I would still find it challenging to navigate.

This experience has made me realize that there is an art to effectively sharing information. In the medical field, this is known as "accessing," where a doctor must simplify complex medical jargon to ensure that a patient comprehends their condition and treatment options. Using overly complicated language does little to aid communication, necessitating a more relatable approach.

Thus, I began to ponder other media that have successfully tackled this challenge, striving to present advanced intelligence in a way that the general public can understand. A few instances stand out as particularly effective.

One notable example is Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking film excelled at this. I’ve often wondered how alien civilizations would communicate with us, and this film addresses that question beautifully by demonstrating communication through music—a form of mathematical expression. The portrayal of an AI learning to interpret this musical language offers a clear, relatable method for the audience to comprehend complex concepts without needing to learn an entirely new language.

Historically, many films and shows have taken shortcuts, allowing alien species to communicate in English, which lacks credibility. Star Trek ventured into this territory with its Universal Translator—an implant that supposedly allows seamless communication across languages. However, there were moments when characters would utter foreign phrases that inexplicably weren’t translated, leaving me baffled.

One consistent challenge in film and television is determining how much to simplify technological concepts to maintain audience engagement. Star Trek often employed techno-babble that sounded impressive but lacked real meaning, intended to impress viewers who might not fully grasp the terminology.

The crucial question remains: How intricate can technology be portrayed without alienating the audience? Each time I watch a new show, I find myself curious about how this balance will be struck. When writers fail to address this adequately, I often find myself lost, questioning whether the issue lies with my understanding or their explanations. This reflection can significantly influence whether I continue watching a particular show or film.

Chapter 2: Understanding Complex Concepts Through Cinema

As we explore further into Hollywood's portrayal of intelligence and advanced technology, it's essential to consider how effectively these ideas are communicated.

In the video titled The History of Hollywood, we delve into how cinematic storytelling has historically approached complex themes and technology.

The second video, What is the Future of Hollywood?, discusses the evolving landscape of storytelling and technology in film, offering insights into future trends.