One of the best science-fiction film adaptations ever.
The Martian
Grade: A
Director: Ridley Scott (Blade Runner)
Screenplay: Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods) from the Andy Weir book
Cast: Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty)
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 144 min.
by John DeSando
“I admit it's fatally dangerous, but I'd get to fly around like Iron Man.” Mark Watney (Matt Damon)
The above quote encapsulates the qualities of The Martian that allow it to be spoken about in the same breath as Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001.
Not only is Ridley Scott’s sci-fi adventure filled with humor and pop cult (wait till you hear Gloria Gaynor’s “I will Survive”), but it also has enough smart but accessible science to please the geekiest fan.
In other words, in some respects it trumps the great sci-fi icon by overcoming the cold Hal as a bad-guy computer and creating space as the formidable opponent: “This is space. It does not cooperate.” (Watney)
Gone are Scott’s desolate landscapes of decaying cities and dripping monsters-- it’s an entertaining and uplifting film that exalts human ingenuity and the need to be humane. Mars is merely a dry, rock and sand stage for mankind to do its scientific and cooperative best stuff. And it serves to remind the world of the necessity to adventure despite the danger: “Every time something goes wrong, the world forgets why we fly.” Teddy Sanders (Jeff Daniels)
That the world is engrossed in the drama of bringing back stranded astronaut Watney from Mars is a testimony to the need for human connection to its great enterprises and the glory of team effort both on the ground (even China gets to play) and in space. Scott’s achievement that goes himself one better from Blade Runner and Alien is depicting the inherent drama in people working together for a common goal, ready to make the sacrifices so that mankind can survive.
Watney’s formula for survival:
“You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem and you solve the next one, and then the next. And if you solve enough problems, you get to come home.”
John DeSando, a Los Angeles Press Club first-place winner for National Entertainment Journalism, hosts WCBE’s It’s Movie Time and co-hosts Cinema Classics. Contact him at JDeSando@Columbus.rr.com
