Interstellar

Women scientists at the heart of the scenario

In Christopher Nolan's film ‘Interstellar’, the rehabilitation of female scientists is embodied mainly through the character of Murphy Cooper, but also through that of Amelia Brand. These characters give new visibility to female scientists on screen, in a cinematic universe where they are too often relegated to secondary or stereotypical roles.

Murphy Cooper

Murphy, played by Jessica Chastain as an adult, is a brilliant physicist at NASA. She is not just the ‘hero's daughter’ but plays a crucial role in advancing the plot: it is she who, thanks to her scientific determination and her skills in mathematics and theoretical physics, manages to solve the equation that will save humanity.

Her character is surrounded by tables of equations and scientific work, which legitimises her as a real player in scientific progress, far from the clichés of the ‘muse’ or assistant. The film also highlights her perseverance in the face of doubt, lost years, and the injustice of belated recognition, subtly echoing the journeys of many women in science in real life, including Vera Rubin.

Amelia Brand

Amelia Brand, played by Anne Hathaway, leads the main space mission. Her role is ambivalent: she embodies scientific determination, courage, leadership skills and risk-taking. However, the script gives prominence to her emotions and affective choices, sometimes to the detriment of scientific decisions, which recalls certain persistent stereotypes in the construction of female characters in cinema.

Despite this, Amelia remains a figure of a competent female scientist, committed to the pursuit of survival and progress.

Impact and limitations of representation in Interstellar

Interstellar allows a very wide audience to identify with intelligent, passionate female characters who play a decisive role in solving complex scientific problems. It helps to break down the image of the exclusively male scientist, offers contemporary role models and encourages young girls to consider careers in science.

The series of scenes where Murphy is shown beneath tables of equations or in NASA laboratories promotes a positive and empowering representation of women scientists, while inviting us to question the obstacles that still exist, both in fiction and in reality.