Apr 21 2018

SYSK Selects: How Mirrors Work

Selects 28 min 3 movies discussed
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Whether using polished metal surfaces or clear glass, human beings have enjoyed admiring their reflections for centuries. In this episode, Josh and Chuck reflect on the types, mind-melting physics, superstitions and rather interesting history of mirrors.

AI Summary

# Stuff You Should Know - Mirrors Episode Summary

Josh and Chuck dive into the surprisingly fascinating world of mirrors, covering everything from their ancient origins as polished obsidian in Turkey to the modern silvering process that makes today's reflective surfaces possible. They explore the physics behind how mirrors work, including the law of reflection and the mind-bending concept of virtual images, plus they break down why mirrors appear to reverse left and right (spoiler: they actually don't). The episode wraps up with a look at different mirror types like concave and convex mirrors, two-way mirrors from cop movies, classic mirror superstitions like Bloody Mary and Poltergeist's infamous face-peeling scene, and some wonderfully creepy folklore from Chinese mythology about the mirror people plotting against us from another dimension.


Movies Discussed

Poltergeist
Poltergeist
1982 1h 54m
★ 7.2
"What about Poltergeist, that great classic mirror scene where the guy's like picking at that little blister and ends up pulling his whole face off? — Josh references a famous horror scene from Poltergeist involving a mirror and a disturbing visual effect." — Josh
Seinfeld
Seinfeld
1989
★ 8.3
"Remember that Seinfeld where Elaine like buys that dress and she figured out that they had a skinny mirror. — Josh references a Seinfeld episode where Elaine discovers department stores use convex mirrors in changing rooms to make clothing look better." — Josh
Taxidermia
Taxidermia
2006 1h 34m
★ 6.6
"I think I look a bit like the guy from taxidermia. — Josh jokingly compares his appearance to an actor from the film Taxidermia when discussing body dysmorphic disorder." — Josh

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