Movie: The Martian
Direction: Ridley Scott
Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Music Director: Harry Gregson-Williams
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski
Editor: Pietro Scalia
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is it about: It’s about a crew from NASA to explore the possibility of life on Mars. While on expedition due to unforeseen climatic conditions they had to abort the mission, during the operation they leave behind one of their crew member Mark Watney(Matt Damon) presuming dead. Who later survives the storm and makes his way to live through the disaster while he tries to make contact with NASA to rescue him. How Mark choses to survive on Mars form an interesting plot laid by Ridley Scott.
Why it’s disappointing: Let’s just leave this section at rest for this movie.
What to watch out for: Isolation is brutal, and when you are left stranded at a place where survival becomes a big question, then isolation turns in to a nightmare to survive with a hope when you will wake up. Mark Watney (Matt Damon) was a perfect example who is stranded out of this planet on an alien one on which us humans have been trying our best to make good out of the discovery. Ridley Scott (Director) brings a great character to this story who takes this isolation as a challenge and doesn’t get depressed nor gives up hope, with that notion that character becomes the most loved one among the movies which had followed the same notion.
The writing is at its best Drew Goddard laid an interesting screenplay which relates to the character at all levels making it reach out to the audience who are in awe of it. Drew’s writing was well adapted by Ridley who directed a movie which explores MARS on the level which earlier ones didn’t till date, which is survival on that planet within the human emotional territory.
The beauty of “The Martian” lies in its method which are used to survive, these methods not only astound you but you end up applauding with great joy. The audience relates to Mark whenever he’s in trouble or how he tries to get out of it, Ridley did a great job in etching this character to that level.
The VFX was astounding, the red sand never looked this cool, the rovers were designed to perfection and every scene seemed so real which was well captured by the 3D cameras. The 3D effect was at its best and was explored to the fullest with no compromise, this was well complimented by great sound mixed in Dolby Atmos which made the launch-pads come alive.
Cinematography by Dariusz Wolski was splendid which had a great taste for capturing details. His details were well supported by Pietro Scalia’s sharp editing.
Matt Damon dishes out a great performance who stays in your heart as Mark Watney even after the movie is over, not just because of the acting but the character which is laced with witty humour in the darkest times. This is one of his best among the movies till date as an actor, which improvises as it moves forward.
The supporting cast Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean and Sebastian Stan make a great ensemble for this mission.
Verdict: “The Martian” is one of the best movie made on Mars which explores the human emotions infused with science that is played impeccably well by Matt Damon and perfectly conceived by Ridley Scott.
