A 2014 movie featuring Scarlett Johansson that initially puzzled audiences for perpetuating a widespread myth is about to exit Netflix.
Scarlett Johansson is one of the most renowned actresses in Hollywood, boasting an impressive filmography. However, not all her movies have received universal acclaim from fans and critics…
One of her works from 2014 was certainly captivating but relied on viewers accepting a long-discredited myth for the plot to function effectively.
Nevertheless, some fans described the movie as having a fascinating concept but not quite delivering in execution.
If you’re a fan of Scarlett Johansson or enjoy quirky action sci-fi films that explore intriguing ideas, it might be worth watching.
The movie in discussion? It’s Lucy, directed by Luc Besson, and it is anticipated to leave Netflix in early August.
So, what is the significant myth that the film’s narrative relies heavily on?
The myth in question is the belief that humans only utilize 10 percent of their brains.
You’ve likely encountered this notion at some point, perhaps during childhood.
The film entertainingly explores the potential achievements of a person if they could access the supposedly ‘unused’ 90 percent.
And who better to demonstrate these extraordinary human abilities than Johansson, in the role of Lucy.
Entangled in a drug smuggling operation gone awry, Lucy displays incredible powers such as telekinesis and the capability to manipulate matter and even time.
Upon its release in 2014, experts were quick to clarify that like Lucy, people utilize 100 percent of their brains.
During an appearance on the All Things Considered NPR podcast, neuroscientist David Eagleman from Baylor College of Medicine debunked the myth decisively.
He explained that utilizing only 10 percent of one’s brain would actually categorize a person as brain dead, noting that this myth has been prevalent in society since at least the early 20th century.
Offering a reason for its popularity, he said: “I think it’s because it gives us a sense that there’s something there to be unlocked, that we could be so much better than we could.
“And really, this has the same appeal as any fairytale or superhero story. I mean, it’s the neural equivalent to Peter Parker becoming Spiderman.”
Despite the scientific inaccuracies, if you can look past them, you might enjoy watching Johansson achieve the impossible for 90 minutes.