Professor Phillip Brainard, a brilliant but absent-minded chemist, is the undisputed inventor of Flubber in the 1997 Disney film of the same name. Through a serendipitous accident involving energy-deficient flying rubber and a mysterious compound, Brainard creates this revolutionary, gravity-defying substance that transforms his life and the fortunes of Medfield College.
The Birth of a Bouncing Phenomenon: Brainard’s Accidental Discovery
The creation of Flubber in the film is a testament to both scientific ingenuity and sheer luck. Professor Brainard, consumed by his research and constantly missing his own wedding, is on the verge of a breakthrough – a potentially limitless source of energy. His experiments, often chaotic and unorthodox, involve a variety of chemicals and contraptions within his cluttered laboratory.
The pivotal moment arrives when Brainard mixes energy-deficient flying rubber – a failed experiment he’d been tinkering with – with a newly synthesized compound he’s developed. The combination reacts unexpectedly, resulting in a vibrant, green, and incredibly resilient substance that defies gravity. This is Flubber, short for “Flying Rubber.”
Brainard, initially bewildered, quickly grasps the potential of his creation. He witnesses its ability to absorb and redirect kinetic energy, allowing objects to bounce with incredible force and even fly. He realizes that Flubber could revolutionize transportation, sports, and countless other aspects of modern life.
The film cleverly portrays the process as an accidental discovery, highlighting the role of chance in scientific breakthroughs. While Brainard possesses the knowledge and skills to create the initial components, the specific combination that yields Flubber is presented as a moment of unexpected inspiration and fortunate circumstance. The magic, in essence, is in the unforeseen interaction of these elements.
Understanding the Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Flubber
While the film takes liberties with scientific accuracy for comedic effect, there are subtle nods to real-world scientific concepts. The idea of a substance that absorbs and redirects kinetic energy draws inspiration from principles of thermodynamics and material science.
The energy-deficient flying rubber, in its failed state, suggests an attempt to create a material with inherent energy storage capabilities. When combined with the new compound, the interaction unlocks a new form of energy manipulation, granting Flubber its extraordinary properties.
However, it’s crucial to remember that Flubber’s behavior far exceeds the capabilities of any known material. The film embraces the fantastical, prioritizing entertainment over scientific rigor. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and the appeal of a substance that defies the limitations of our physical world.
The Impact of Flubber on Brainard’s Life and the World
Flubber’s invention dramatically alters Brainard’s life. It provides him with the means to save Medfield College from financial ruin, woo back his fiancée, Sara Jean Reynolds, and even thwart the plans of a ruthless businessman seeking to exploit his creation.
The film explores the ethical implications of such a powerful invention. Brainard grapples with the responsibility that comes with controlling a substance with the potential to reshape society. He understands that Flubber could be used for both good and evil, and he strives to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.
The impact of Flubber extends beyond Brainard’s personal life and the confines of Medfield College. It sparks global curiosity and inspires a wave of scientific innovation. While the film doesn’t explicitly depict the long-term consequences of Flubber’s existence, it hints at a future where its unique properties could be harnessed for the betterment of humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flubber
Here are some frequently asked questions about Flubber, addressing common curiosities and providing deeper insights into the film and its central invention:
What is Flubber actually made of?
Flubber is created from a combination of energy-deficient flying rubber and a newly synthesized chemical compound invented by Professor Brainard. The specific formula remains a mystery, but the film emphasizes the importance of the interaction between these two elements.
Why is Flubber green?
The film doesn’t explicitly state why Flubber is green. It’s likely a visual choice designed to make the substance stand out and emphasize its unique properties. The vibrant color contributes to its playful and whimsical nature.
Can Flubber really make a car fly?
In the film, Flubber is used to modify a car, allowing it to fly and perform extraordinary feats. While this is a fictional depiction, it showcases Flubber’s ability to manipulate gravity and kinetic energy.
How does Flubber bounce so high?
Flubber’s extraordinary bounce is a result of its ability to absorb and redirect kinetic energy. When an object covered in Flubber hits a surface, it stores the energy and then releases it, propelling the object back into the air with greater force.
Is Flubber dangerous?
While Flubber is generally presented as a positive invention, it has the potential for misuse. In the wrong hands, its ability to manipulate energy could be exploited for destructive purposes.
What is the energy source for Flubber’s power?
The film implies that Flubber derives its energy from the interaction between its constituent components and potentially ambient energy sources. It doesn’t require external power to function, making it a potentially limitless energy source.
Did the movie Flubber win any awards?
While Flubber wasn’t a critical darling, it was nominated for a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Family Movie.
Is Flubber a remake of another movie?
Yes, Flubber is a remake of the 1961 Disney film The Absent-Minded Professor, which also featured a gravity-defying substance invented by Professor Brainard (although the substance was originally called “Flying Rubber”).
Where does the name “Flubber” come from?
The name “Flubber” is a shortened version of “Flying Rubber,” the initial description Professor Brainard gives to his invention.
What role does Weebo play in the creation of Flubber?
Weebo, Brainard’s robotic assistant, plays a crucial role by assisting him in his experiments and providing valuable data. While she doesn’t directly invent Flubber, she’s an integral part of the research process.
Is Flubber a liquid, solid, or gas?
Flubber behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid, exhibiting properties of both liquids and solids depending on the applied force. It can flow like a liquid but also bounce and hold its shape like a solid.
What are the real-world applications of a substance like Flubber?
If a substance with Flubber’s properties existed, it could revolutionize transportation, construction, energy storage, and countless other fields. It could lead to flying cars, earthquake-resistant buildings, and more efficient batteries. While purely fictional, it fuels the imagination and inspires scientific inquiry.