description Particle Fever Overview
This documentary provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the first round of experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It follows the physicists who dedicated their lives to finding the Higgs boson, capturing the tension, excitement, and uncertainty of scientific discovery in real-time. 'Particle Fever' is unique because it captures the human side of high-level physics, showing that science is not just about data, but about the people who pursue it. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the fundamental building blocks of our universe.
info Particle Fever Specifications
| Genre | Documentary, Science |
| Title | Particle Fever |
| Awards | 6 |
| Runtime | 99 minutes |
| Director | Mark Levinson |
| Language | English |
| Imdb Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Film Festivals | Tribeca, SXSW, Hot Docs, Telluride |
| Music Composer | Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 96% |
| Production Company | Arbitrium Entertainment |
| Subtitle Availability | Multiple languages |
balance Particle Fever Pros & Cons
- Provides unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to CERN scientists during the historic Higgs boson discovery
- Tells a compelling human story about the passion and dedication of physicists pursuing fundamental understanding
- Masterfully balances technical scientific content with accessible emotional narrative
- Received critical acclaim including 6 major film festival awards and 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating
- Features real-time footage of actual LHC experiments creating genuine tension and authenticity
- Thoughtful editing and soundtrack enhance the drama without sensationalizing the science
- Assumes some familiarity with particle physics concepts for full appreciation
- Highly specialized subject matter limits broad audience appeal
- Technical jargon may be challenging for viewers without scientific background
- Release date of 2013 means some scientific context is now dated
- Contains no supplementary educational materials or interactive features
help Particle Fever FAQ
Where can I watch Particle Fever online?
Particle Fever is available on several streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play for rental or purchase. It has also aired on PBS. Availability varies by region.
Does Particle Fever show the actual discovery of the Higgs boson?
Yes, the documentary covers the July 2012 announcement of the Higgs boson discovery at CERN. The film captures the anticipation, failed attempts, and ultimate success of the LHC experiments.
Is Particle Fever appropriate for someone without a physics background?
While the film contains some technical concepts about particle physics, it focuses primarily on the human story of the scientists, making it accessible and engaging for general audiences.
Who directed Particle Fever?
Particle Fever was directed by Mark Levinson, a physicist-turned-filmmaker who holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from UC Berkeley. His scientific background enabled accurate portrayal of the research.
How accurate is the science presented in Particle Fever?
The science is highly accurate as the film was developed with full cooperation from CERN physicists. Scientific consultant David Kaplan, a lead physicist on the ATLAS experiment, helped ensure fidelity.
What is Particle Fever?
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What is Particle Fever best for?
Science enthusiasts, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the human stories behind major scientific discoveries.
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What are the key specifications of Particle Fever?
- Genre: Documentary, Science
- Title: Particle Fever
- Awards: 6
- Runtime: 99 minutes
- Director: Mark Levinson
- Language: English
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