Outline of the Second Term Paper

Dream physics and Newton’s Third Law

A.    Introduction

l   In both live-action and animation world, characters usually break the rule of real physics to make people feel entertaining.

l   One of the classic examples is the Newton’s 3^rd Laws: Action/Reaction.

l   To prove how animation accurately adjust the law of Action and Reaction, gives three examples:

n   Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)

n   Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)

n   Iron Man 3 (2012)

B.     Newton’s Law in Mr. and Mrs. Smith

l   Simple introduction about the story of Mr. and Mrs. Smith

l   Examples of the impossible Action/ Reaction scene—

When Jane Smith uses her shot gun to shoot her husband, recoil of the gun (According to the IMFDB, Internet Movie Firearms Database, the weapon is H&K Fabarm) is disappeared. She does not lean back because of the recoil. 

l   What should be corrected—Showing the real world example (Video). The man who plays same weapon lean back at least 3 inches when he starts shooting. (He actually says "Aw" I think)

l   Effect of this unreal scene – to show Jane’s strength, develop the fight and increase the conflict between the couple.

C.     Newton’s Law in Kung Fu Panda the Secret of the Masters

l   Simple introduction about this short 2D animation film by Duncan Studio

l   Examples of the impossible Action/Reaction scene—

Master Oogway throws Rhino, Ox, and Croc into the sky (at least three feet high), but it seems that he does not use too much strength.

l   What should be corrected—It is just impossible for Oogway to throw three characters who are a lot heavier than himself. To be against with the weight of the young men, he should use a lot more strength.

l   Effect of this unreal scene—it is very impossible but very funny when Master Oogway shows his Kung Fu power.

D.    Newton’s Law in Iron Man 3

l   Simple introduction- summary, what is changed in Iron Man3

l   Examples of the scene—

Pepper kills Killian by just one kick. Killian flies away and high the wall (4-5 feet after him), but Pepper stays where she is- she is not influenced by the reaction.

l   What should be corrected—if the reaction is working, Pepper should be either move backward, or push the ground by her left leg to balance her body. 

l   Effect of this scene—shocked ending. People are saying good and bad things about this scene. Iron Man lost the power, how about the next stage?

E.     Conclusion

l   Newton’s third law is adjusted or ignored by some films so the story can reach to an interesting level.

l   Quote from Art Babbitt, “Animation follows the laws of physics—unless it is funnier otherwise,” and so does live action films.