By Colin Barry
From the endless crimson deserts, weather that can go from brutally hot to sub-zero, to its thin atmosphere that makes the planet uninhabitable, the idea of colonizing on Mars seems farfetched.
Ridley Scott’s newest film, The Martian, stars Matt Damon fighting for his life on the red planet while desperately trying to get home. What sounds simple, turns into smart, absorbing scifi backed up by a relatively witty script and intense plot.
Based on the book of the same name by Andy Weir, The Martian becomes an emotional roller coaster not only for the characters, but for the audience as well. The stakes are raised the highest they can possibly go in the film, and the climax will have every audience member’s hearts pounding, fearing Watley may not make it and that all of efforts to save him were useless.
What makes The Martian so engaging is the way it is presented to the audience. The film, being hard sci fi, does not dumb itself down is presented as a humorous lecture.
It never gets boring. The final scenes are some of the most intense set pieces this year, consistently raising the stakes and making the audience never look away.
What sounds like a boring step-by-step type of plot, turns into an enjoyable segment that displays Watney’s never-say-die attitude, as well as his intelligence. How Watley communicated with NASA using an old Mars rover, a nearly twenty-year old satellite, will create a sense of awe from the audience.
The Martian displays a very serious situation, but it isn’t afraid to make a few jokes about it. The film’s screenwriter, Drew Goddard, injects a good amount of quips that are never too forced. Known for writing the cult horror comedy The Cabin in the Woods, subtle humor with several characters work well within the film. The dialogue and banter between Watley and his crewmembers are highlights of this well-written screenplay.
Almost always having a punchline to describe his situations with a quick smirk or deadpan delivery, Damon pulls off the starring role of Mark Watley. The physical and mental changes Watley faces on his year and half long stay on Mars shows Damon’s dedication to the character. Without giving too much away, Watley has to remove shrapnel from his abdomen, and Damon makes the scene cringe-worthy but fascinating in an almost morbid way.
Ultimately, Damon gives Watley a very likable presence, and someone who the audience would want to see succeed and are upset if he fails. Perhaps Matt Damon can finally grab that elusive best actor award.
Damon does not completely take over the film, as part of the supporting cast keeps the film strong. Jessica Chastain puts on another terrific performance as Commander Lewis, a strong-female leader.
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeff Daniels also turn in great performances, portraying men at their wit’s end just trying to figure out the best solution for a dire situation. Actors Donald Glover and Mackenzie Davis, while not main supporting characters, will give the audience a few chuckles at their eccentric behavior.
The Martian’s cinematography is done in a series of portraits for the most part, showing off the landscape of the planet and always keeps the action focused. It is stimulating to see a movie not resort to “shaky cam” tactics during the action scenes. The CGI is top-notch too, giving off the looks of the machines unique looks. The suits that the astronauts wear on Mars have a very cool design.
Damon’s performance and the spectacular special effects will draw viewers in, but the story will keep audiences in lockdown, never making them feel fatigued by science. While it is a shame to see a few talented actors and actresses wasted, the rest of the film is such a marvelous science fiction experience that it will keep audiences entertained.
