Term Paper Outline

Who Watches the Physics of the Watchmen?

1. Intro: The physics of Watchmen are distorted in relation to the main characters (the superheroes) in terms of their super strength, center of gravity in jumps, and of bullets (their speed is unnaturally variable).
2. How do Characters lift heavy objects?
a. Characters can lift extremely heavy objects and people without showing signs of shifting their weight.
-Example: first fight scene, Adrian lifts The Comedian several times, and throws him several times
b. It would only work if their center of gravity shifted to physically impossible points just before lifting, punching, and jumping
Example: Adrian Fights The Comedian
c. The objects themselves lose weight before being lifted
Example: Adrian Fights The Comedian
3. How do they survive large, uneven jumps?
a. Characters can jump from extremely high places with their center of gravity off, and not fall over and/or collapse, their path of action is variable, and they accelerate and decelerate at unnatural speeds
-Example: Rorschach runs up a wall
b. Characters must shift their center of gravity when jumping for this to work
-Example: Rorschach runs up a wall
c. They can manipulate their path of action so that there is less impact when landing
Example: Miss Jupiter lands several stories through a burning building
d. Characters can reach their terminal velocity at will
-Example: Rorschach runs up a wall
-Example: Miss Jupiter lands several stories through a burning building
4. How can some people catch bullets, whereas they kill other people?
a. Bullets have variable weights and speeds
Example: Adrian catches a bullet, but secretary’s leg snaps in two when shot
b. Characters catching bullets can move faster than the speed of sound and continue that momentum
-Example: Adrian catches a bullet and tumbles down the stairs
c. Bullets slow down and speed up when the story needs to move forward
-Example: Adrian can catch a bullet, but a secretary’s leg gets snapped in half by a bullet
5. Conclusion: Although the physics of The Watchmen make no scientific sense, they move the story forward, and the errors make the film entertaining.