THE MARTIAN

Bring Him Home…

When you look back at the history of space-set films, there’s only really two that stick out. 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Interstellar. Now there’s a third. Ridley Scott’s ‘The Martian’.

While it doesn’t have the deep, unchartered space aspect of 2001 or Interstellar, The Martian isn’t as silent as the night like 2001, and isn’t hellishly complicated like Interstellar. What it is, is relatable. With real life missions to Mars already in NASA’s minds, this film seems real. I think that’s what shines best about this film. It’s simple, and it’s not that far from the potential truth.

While the trailers for it certainly engraved the idea of Interstellar 2.0 on everyone’s minds, the film is anything but. The Martian doesn’t have wormholes and endless ramblings about the theory of relativity. It has one man, alone on another planet, surviving just well enough for as long as he can. And, with a great director like Ridley Scott at the helm, it’s hardly surprising that the film is really great. While Robin Hood and Prometheus where rare averages for Scott, The Martian is a return to form.

What surprised me most was the cast. While the film obviously centres on Matt Damon’s struggle for survival, the rest of the cast is just about as A-list as you get. And, much like Damon himself, the rest of the cast shines from start to finish. Especially those who make up the rest of Damon’s crew. Speaking of starts, this film wastes no time is getting to the point. Within the first ten minutes the story is set up, and Damon’s Mark Watney is left stranded on the red planet.

Try to cristicise the film, and you’ll find yourself at a dead end. It’s far easier to understand than Nolan’s Interstellar, which makes for a far more enjoyable viewing. The Martian is just the right mix between good movie making and good science. There really isn’t anything bad about the film. It’s paced brilliantly and the special effects, when they’re actually there, are superb. And a subtle nod to Scott’s own Alien puts the cherry on top of the cake.

So then, to sum up, a great premise, great acting and great pacing. And some great cinematography too. No film is perfect, but The Martian is pretty freakin’ close.

9/10