Back in the day (2005) I was taking my very first physics class. This particular physics class was one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken, mainly because it introduced me to the greatest physics instructor of all time, Julius Sumner Miller. No, he wasn’t my instructor, but nearly everyday we got to view one of Miller’s videos on physics. He had a way of making physics exciting, everything from inertia to Newton’s law. But what does he have to do with movies? Sure he has had TV shows, but today we are going to talk about his role in shaping the movie industry. I am going to call this the Julius Sumner Miller Movie Theory. And just a reminder, this is nothing more than a theory, and is backed by nothing more than my observations.
The Julius Sumner Miller Movie Theory
Firstly, if you don’t know who Julius Sumner Miller is then you need to watch this video. If you are a fan of physics, prepare to have your mind blown.
Notice his excitement, his enthusiasm, and his shear love for science! He may seem like your typical mad scientists, but his particular style is one that has been captured in a very popular movie trilogy. If you haven’t figured it out, I am referring to Emmett Lathrop “Doc” Brown, Ph.D. Better known as, Doc. You know, the cooky scientist from the paradox filled trilogy Back to the Future? The one that turned a DeLorean into a time machine (the only reason the DeLorean was ever popular).
I have absolutely no proof that the writers based Doc off of Julius Sumner Miller, or if they even knew Miller existed, however the resemblance is uncanny. The two share the same look, the same enthusiasm, and the same love for science. Just take a look at this side by side comparison:
Great Scott! Do you see the resemblance?! It seems logical to me that the two are clearly the same person, or at least Miller had a strong influence on Doc Browns role.
Is Doc Brown based on Julius Sumner Miller?
As I have previously stated I have no proof that Miller had any influence on Doc Brown. Perhaps it is just me being a fan of Miller, or perhaps I am beginning to lose my mind, but I personally find it very probable that Miller had at least some influence in the Back to the Future series. Now that you have seen the facts, what are your thoughts? Do you feel that the non-fictional Miller could have been the influence behind the fictional character Doc Brown?
Until next time movie/science aficionados, keep asking yourself “Why is it so?”