The Martian(2015): Movie Review
“Space isn’t that cooperative, but human beings are!” While most space fictions deal with the list line, The Martian stresses the second line, that we have a basic instinct to help others. A mission to Mars, an accident and a struggle for survival! This is what The Martian is all about.
Based on the book by Andy Weir, The Martian had a great story to deal with; A man stuck up in Mars, his fight for survival and the efforts by the humans to bring him home. Just look at the basic plot, this thing has something out of the world. But the plot is so unique that, this thing can easily formulate a boring tale; this is where The Martian makes a difference. The movie is laced with situational wits from the start to end, blended in layers of thrill; the comedy timing of Matt Damon as Mark Watney being the most gripping factor. I didn’t expect such a character building; those dialogues just changed the atmosphere. Thanks that, we have ample amount of men on earth(read NASA) to beef up the trill factor, discussing and making space related stuff. While these things stand on one side, the riveting screenplay by Drew Goddard is what makes the viewer stick to seat, we always love to see something that is novel and The Martian has novel stuff in abundance; especially the hypothetical science matter! Though Watney’s struggle is layered with humor and positive attitude, there could’ve been a better emotional approach, still no worries!
Coming to the making side, Ridley Scott, the maker of iconic science fictions, builds The Martian to the status of a solid space fiction. He made the imaginary plot into a ‘could be based on real life’ movie. The visuals were stunning with a deep feel of reality in it, the imagery of Mars being the most realistic ones. Even the outer space visuals were of standard quality; 3D works were spectacular, especially the ones in the beginning. Music by Harry Gregson-Williams was good at parts while Dariusz Wolski succeeded in capturing fresh frames. Editing was crisp without any boring sequences and the visual effects supervisor requires appreciation.
Matt Damon offers his career best performance as Mark Watney with unexpected sense of humor; chances for an Academy Nomination are high! Without his interesting performance, the movie would’ve been dry. Other noteworthy performances were from Jessica Chastain, Sean Bean and Jeff Daniels. Even Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Vincent Kapoor was notable.
Overall, Ridley Scott’s The Martian is a solid cinematic experience that not only entertains but also has something different. A movie that is embedded on the victory of human will power and courage; there were sequences where my spirit raised seeing the efforts by fellow human beings to save one. Though predictable, the climax offered a sense of satisfaction and happiness. Damn so realistic was the making!
Final Note: Must watch in 3D, for the ones who hunt for something different! But expecting an ‘Interstellar’ will offer disappointment for sure.
The house was fully packed for the 1PM show in Cinepolis CCPL Mall, Secunderabad. Real D 3D experience is something to the mentioned about.
Thank You
Sooraj Pattazhy
