Says explained
He believed no one would work for a plan that left most of us behind. It is a bad choice, but it is a human one. The film frames it as a tragic decision.
Why did Professor Brand lie about Plan A?
Interstellar
Interstellar (2014)
At 1:50:00
Verdict: Contested. 54% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: He believed people would not cooperate unless they thought they could save everyone, and Plan B needed that effort.
Contested
54% dumb46% explained
520 votes
Dumbness rating
5.9/ 10(520 ratings)Out of characterWon't just say it
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What happens in this scene
Professor Brand tells the crew that Plan A, which would move the entire population, is possible. On his deathbed he tells Murph that he had never solved the equation. He says the lie kept people working toward a plan that could not succeed.
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Reviews 3
Says dumb
A mission this large would only work if everyone is told the truth. The lie puts the crew at risk and the film does not give the astronauts a way to react.
Says dumb
The reveal works, but it undoes an earlier scene that shows the professor's personality as honest. It needed a little more setup.
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Actually, it’s explained
He believed people would not cooperate unless they thought they could save everyone, and Plan B needed that effort.
- DumbScenesStaff9 months ago
He believed people would not cooperate unless they thought they could save everyone, and Plan B needed that effort.
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Quick Fix
Fixes are written by people. The smallest change, in 200 characters or fewer, that would have fixed the scene. AI is used only for duplicate detection, length and moderation.
Plant it earlier
In his first scene, let Brand hesitate when Cooper asks if the equation is finished. The lie then has a visible crack.
Would this fix it?71% say yes
script_doctor_samSupporter2 months ago
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