The Martian Reviewed
Interview by Jill Kusa!
The Martian is a welcome departure from your typical space exploration film, infusing humor with suspense and superb acting. Matt Damon heads a stellar cast including Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Peña, and Sebastian Stan. Damon is definitely the star of the film, as he transcends genre with his comedic timing. What could be a daunting story about survival becomes a humorous, poignant, and awe-inspiring tale of ingenuity. Even the most mundane tasks are riveting in The Martian; a testament to the talented cast and excellent script. Humor is peppered throughout the movie, which contains laughs to rival those found in straight comedies.
Another strength of the film is the diversity of the phenomenal supporting cast. It features a spectacular range of actors of all ages and ethnicities who are defined by their competency rather than gender or race. Every person plays an important role in the mission and only the most knowledgeable make the cut, regardless of background. This is what an ideal NASA would look like, and it is essential for pop culture to reflect our world’s diversity. In fact, Mae Jemison credits Star Trek’s Uhura AKA Nichelle Nichols with inspiration to help her become the first African American woman in space. Hopefully more science fiction films take a page from the Martian by showcasing a wider array of actors.
A high point of the Martian, and another deviation from most contemporary science fiction, is the competence (or lack thereof) of the crew. Many science fiction movies use less than wonderful decision making to drive the plot (see Sunshine (2007) and Ridley Scott’s own Prometheus), however, The Martian turns scientists’ mastery of their disciplines into the catalysts for action. Everything happens because a brilliant mind trusts their instinct and works tirelessly to rescue Damon’s astronaut Watney. This optimism excites the space nerd and serves to frame an argument for the importance of space travel and scientific funding to society. The message isn’t overpowering nor subtle, but the idea that space exploration means something bigger than ourselves and must be continue to be funded is apparent throughout the film. While the film may appear shallow initially, as many of the characters don’t have deeply explored back stories or dialogue, it excels where others haven’t. It contains deeper themes but isn’t bogged down by extended philosophical metaphors (Prometheus, Interstellar) nor glaring symbolism at the expense of story telling (Gravity). Its optimistic realism leaves viewers excited.
Fans looking for Ridley Scott’s typical fare may be taken aback, but certainly won’t leave disappointed. This film succeeds on many levels and will keep even casual science fiction fans entertained.
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