Tome explores role chemistry plays in more than 110 movies

The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center will host a launch party for “ReAction: Chemistry in the Movies,” by Mark Griep, associate professor of chemistry at UNL and Marjorie Mikasen, a geometric artist. The party will begin with a cocktail hour and book signing at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1.

“ReAction! Chemistry in the Movies” gives a scientist’s and artist’s response to the dark and bright sides of chemistry found in more than 110 films. Although it offers examples of screen chemistry between actors and of behind-the-scenes special effects, this book focuses on when chemistry becomes a part of a film’s narrative.

Griep

In his research at UNL, Griep is searching for new antibiotics. He received a 2009 College Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. Mikasen recently received an Individual Artist’s Fellowship from the Nebraska Arts Council. The authors are married and were awarded an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant in the area of Public Understanding of Science to undertake the research for this book.

Following the reception, a buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. A screening of the classic 1933 film “The Invisible Man” will be held at 7 p.m. Following the movie, Griep and Mikasen will answer questions and sign copies of their book. Admission to the reception is $5 for friends of the Ross and $10 for non-members. The film screening is free, and all events are open to the public.



— By Sara Gilliam, University Communications

“ReAction! Chemistry in the Movies”

Book launch party is 5:30 p.m., Aug. 1 at the Ross Media Arts Center. Admission to reception is $5 for Friends of the Ross, $10 for non-members. Screening of “The Invisible Man” at 7 p.m. and post-movie discussion are free and open to the public.