Medical Disaster: Why Ken Mattingly Can't Have Measles in Apollo 13

Area of Science:

• Cultural studies
• Media analysis
• Health behavior

Background:

• The film Apollo 13 presents a narrative involving male astronauts and mission controllers.
• Cultural norms surrounding masculinity and healthcare are often examined in media portrayals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how the film Apollo 13 depicts masculinity in relation to health behaviors.
• To explore the portrayal of illness denial and healthcare refusal as components of American masculinity.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of the film Apollo 13.
• Examination of character interactions and dialogue related to health and vulnerability.
• Comparison of male and female character portrayals regarding illness and help-seeking.

Main Results:

• Male characters in Apollo 13 deny vulnerabilities such as measles, urinary infections, and the need for sleep to assert manliness.
• Female characters, specifically astronauts' wives, are shown admitting vulnerability, like insomnia.
• The film's narrative reinforces cultural stereotypes associating help-seeking with femininity and denial with masculinity.

Conclusions:

• Apollo 13 reinforces cultural norms that discourage men from admitting illness or seeking healthcare.
• The film's portrayal suggests that denial of vulnerability and noncompliance with health recommendations are depicted as desirable male behaviors.
• This media representation may perpetuate harmful health practices among men.