A Space Film for Our Times
To the layperson (that's me!), all things space and NASA have, for what seems like a long time, been quiet. No exciting mission to undertake. No new goal the public and government are forcefully and collectively supporting. Even with the days-old news that Mars does indeed have flowing water,* the question becomes, "What does that mean for us now," rather than, "What will that mean when we see it in person?"
Ridley Scott's The Martian has the latter in mind as it depicts a contemporary manned mission to the Red Planet struck by a harsh sandstorm that leaves botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) presumed dead as his crew aborts their mission and heads home. The film chronicles Watney's problem-solving as he figures out how to survive long enough to re-establish communications with NASA and arrange for a rescue. Though in many ways a modern Apollo 13, Scott's film has a much lighter, more humorous touch without sacrificing any of the suspense. Watney cracks wise to himself and the videocameras cataloging his extended stay as he works to overcome one seemingly impossible task after another. This continual escalation of problems is deftly handled, as the film's characters are smart enough to tackle those problems—like getting food to grow on a planet where nothing grows—but doesn't turn them into superheroes. As the roadblocks to success and survival grow more challenging and complex, so too must the solutions, and that's how the film remains exciting.
Perhaps most impressive of all is that none of the problem-solving on display seems to stray very far from reality into theoretical science. Andy Weir, author of the novel on which the film is based, sought for his story to be as real as possible, including the use of existing technology by the characters. It all adds up to a film that inspires with the smallest of victories. When Watney decides to attempt growing potatoes, that means he'll need far more water than his living quarters are designed to produce. It's these minor yet incredibly satisfying moments that make you want to celebrate along with Watney when he succeeds. These relatively simple tasks also set the stage for the grander yet no less plausible (at least in the eyes of this layperson) climax, a sequence that's thrilling as much for its characters' ingenuity as it is for its spectacle.
The Martian's cast is stacked with talent, starting with the wonderfully light, sardonic, though not hollow, performance Matt Damon gives as Watney. Jessica Chastain carries the weight as the crew commander who chose to leave Mark behind. At her side are fellow crew members Kate Mara, Michael Peña, Sebastian Stan, and Aksel Hennie, each of whom find a moment or two to shine. Jeff Daniels, Chiwitel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Donald Glover, and Sean Bean all do good work as various members of the team at NASA working to bring Watney home.
Director Ridley Scott makes a return to form after a string of underwhelming films that don't approach The Martian's level of fun. Screenwriter Drew Goddard, co-writer and director of the underrated The Cabin in the Woods, retains the brains and sense of humor apparently weaved throughout Weir's novel, never once losing the delicate balance of comedy and suspense. The effects are all topnotch, as most would be hard-pressed to say what was practical or digital. It's in this realm of effects, costumes, and production design that the film once again creates a world that seems absolutely real and current. If a manned mission to Mars were to launch tomorrow, I'd expect much of it to look and perform like that of this film (minus the catastrophe that leaves a man stranded).
The Martian is a space film that takes seemingly menial tasks and makes them fascinating. It makes science and space exploration exciting again in a very tangible way, and with flowing water on Mars, there's no better time for a film like this to be embraced by the public. Here's hoping everyone who sees The Martian will be eager to send someone as smart and talented as Mark Watney up there to take the next giant leap for mankind, assuming the film doesn't inspire them to go do it themselves.
*No, the film doesn't address this news. Scott says he learned of this discovery a couple months ago due to his close working relationship with NASA for the film, but by that time it was far too late to add it to the movie's plot (though he would have).