I have kept Science is Fiction at home from Netflix for the past week. I can’t bring myself to let go of it.

Science is Fiction is a mesmerizing collection of short films by Jean Painleve.

Painleve, a film director, actor, translator, theorist and inventor, was one of the first to create scientific films designed to entertain and inform. His groundbreaking poetic representations of science were viewed as subversive and scandalous at the time. He believed that the portrayal of reality, combined with the imagination and technique of the screenwriter, trumped traditional cinematography.

In order to shoot scenes underwater, Painleve encased his camera in a custom designed waterproof box, fitted with a glass plate which allowed the camera’s lens to reach through. He captures some incredible footage and documents a stunning series of processes shown in accelerated speed. The soundtrack (which he often scored himself) is also amazing. Watching these films is an entrancing, educational journey…not to mention, just plain FUN.

My fellow sci-art fans…rent or buy this collection! I rarely buy DVDs, but this one is going on the wish list. Now I’m off to see if I can uncover any of Painleve’s other films on Youtube…