Assumed dead in the wake of a violent storm, Mark Watney (Matt Damon), stranded and years away from a mounted rescue attempt, must use his skills and ingenuity to survive on the merciless, uninhabitable planet Mars.
The Martian
I can ‘almost’ be forgiven for paying little heed to The Martian. However, Director Ridley Scott has risen from the ashes of abomination Prometheus and the ill-received Gods and Kings. Then there is film favourite Matt Damon - post Interstellar – who plays another astronaut? How could this role be any different? How could this ‘film’ be any different?
One of the notable things in The Martian is the lack of red flag warning signs that some big screen productions have used that leaves an audience at the mercy of what Hollywood deems ‘cool.’ With The Martian, Ridley Scott has absolutely redeemed himself by serving up a filmic antithesis.
The focus with The Martian is to engage not with a visual fanfare or with fantastic visuals but with the plight and predicament of Mark Watney. Production values are strong and organic with natural surroundings that the camera captures magnificently. Team members navigate neatly into connecting ship modules; and the use of authentic tools and equipment help seal the film’s integrity.
The writing is a joy and a delight. The refreshing talent of the entire cast and unexpected humour of the screenplay (Drew Goddard) fuel a simple and streamlined plot. Dialogue shows a quiet intelligence and creative use of content without pushing the film’s rating. Presented science does not baffle and furrow brows. Geeky charm and a well-selected soundtrack keep a sparked interest and add to the wonderful fun.
Performances are solid and likable all round; and the ensemble fit almost seamlessly. Matt Damon does it again in a film that is defiant of typical Hollywood, actually character driven. An actor of proven prowess is given license to do what he does best. Without taking himself too seriously. Damon applies cynical situational humour with an unrelenting, indomitable spirit. Teaming up, saved from and showing range beyond flops and ‘other’ pictures, are Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, the welcome company of lesser known Aksel Hennie, and hiding in plain sight - the Winter Soldier - Sabastian Stan.
Supporting talent Jeff Daniels tweaks his TV series ‘The Newsroom’ skills as the political but not outright bastardly NASA Director Teddy Sanders. Worthy mentions keeping well the lively tone of The Martian are Chiwetel Edjiofor, Mackenzie Davis, and a notable Benedict Wong. Though the focus is on the story, special effects in The Martian are particularly good. Planetary weather systems wreak havoc with the shuttle crew and twisters swirl subtly in the background. There is a nod to Kubrick’s Space Odyssey – astronauts exercising below the rising curvature of the ships internal structure. Impressive flight perspectives put the crew in the cosmos without the contrast of screen work.
Can I narrow my eyes at the efforts of The Martian? Would it even be fair?
There are a few small breaches that threaten enjoyment levels in a mostly airtight film. I can barely fault performances save for the merest imperfect acting flicker from Damon and a somewhat extrinsic Sean Bean. Bean, despite being a part of one of the best scenes in the movie, is let down by a tinge of unfortunate scripting. Despite hilarious and creative uses of the f-word I felt a cringe at the use of other mild profanity, and I rest a critical eye on certain executive decisions of upper NASA echelons. With that said, suffering only minor dents in space, The Martian is great entertainment; and with a caution to parents, a testament to what can be when a director takes charge and gets it right.
Of course, Matt Damon, out of the shoes of Agent Bourne, can rest assured that those attempting to bring him home won’t be trying to kill him. He can rely on the planet Mars for that.
THE MARTIAN (2015)
Reviewed by
Lime - light - Film and Critique
www.limey-filmreview.com