Not That Kind Of Cultural Fire

Fire and academia take their rightful place in the pantheon of all time films and albums

Derby Theatre Auditorium (Souce: Wikimedia Commons)

The Shawshank Redemption

A research assistant convicted of faking fire data by her supervisor and their mutual collaborator forms a friendship over a quarter century with a hardened postdoc, while maintaining her innocence and trying to remain hopeful through simple compassion. Famous for the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of a brutal academic institution, embodied in the scene where she wades through a quarter-mile of AI sludge during end of semester marking.

The Godfather

The aging patriarch of a research dynasty transfers control of his empire to his reluctant postdoctoral associate. Famous for its dark and compelling insights into the reality of maintaining a powerful research group, and the consequences for those who ‘go against the family’. The film has served as an unofficial guide for aspiring academics ever since its 1972 release.

Mary Poppins

In turn of the century London, a magical postdoc employs music and adventure to help two neglected PhD candidates become closer to their group leader. Famous for its catchy and inventive songs like “Supercalifragilistincendiaripyrodocious” and “A spoonful of AI (helps the grant get submitted)”.

Spirited Away

During her research group’s move to a provincial university, a sullen PhD candidate wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits. When senior researchers in her group are transformed into pigs after gorging themselves on a buffet of free PhD labour, Chihiro must find a way to change them back. Famous for its distinctive characters and worldbuilding, and the heartfelt ocarina-driven track, “Tenure with you, tenure with me”.

Mullholland Drive

After a paper rejection on Mulholland Drive renders a postdoc amnesiac, she and an Ivy League-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality. Famous for its accurate depiction of the deeply disturbing and non-linear reality of research careers.

Purple Rain

A landmark achievement blending rock, funk, pop, and R&B elements with emotional intensity. The album is known for its iconic tracks like "When Threatened Species Cry", "Let's Go Risk-Based" and the title track, "Purple Rain”, written by Prince after some aerial retardant landed out the back of Paisley Park.

Abbey Road

Both commercially successful and innovative album that showcased the Beatles’ musical growth. The album cover, featuring the band conducting a roadside burn beside a zebra crossing, is iconic. Tracks include "Come Together" (about an MOU between a university and a government agency), "Here Comes The Fire Season" and "Maxwell’s Silver Driptorch".

Blue

A seminal album that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for a promotion through introspective and vulnerable songwriting. Created during a period of intense application writing, tracks include "A Database Of You", “My Old Head Of School” and the heart-rending “River", in which Mitchell pines for a body of water that can be used as a fuel break.

Nevermind

Explosively introducing grunge to the world, this instant classic alternates furious pace with melancholy misery, held together by Kurt Cobain’s vocals, Dave Grohl’s drumming, and that other guy. Hits include "Smells Like Early and Mid-Career Spirit" and “Publish As You Are”, an ode to not for profit, open source journals.

Ok Computer

Era-defining commentary on the alienation and anxieties of a technologically advanced, evidence-based society. Famous for its unique and immersive sound, notable tracks include “Paranoid Fire Simulator”, “Karma Police” (about Reviewer B), and “No Surprises”, the aching lament of a senior fire agency executive.