Slow-paced, methodical books based on the struggles of a single character don’t usually make the best movies. ENDER’S GAME is a prime example of what happens when the inner monologue that drives the story is taken out (although understandably) for the more exciting event of the film. It is not the fault of the directors; the film format just does not provide enough time to include all of the minor details. With all this in mind, it is hard not to appreciate THE MARTIAN for its accomplishment. Ridley Scott’s newest manages to not lose any of the humor or nerdy charm that made Andy Weir’s novel so popular, even while transcribed for a mass audience. Space in the new realm of possibility to humanity, and recently film has begun to reflect both the wonder and fear that comes with it. THE MARTIAN is the next in the line following productions like GRAVITY, INTERSTELLAR, and TOMORROWLAND, but it might just be the most entertaining. The easiest way to describe the plot would be CASTAWAY meets APOLLO 13.
Mark Watney is the lowest-ranked and snarkiest member of the ARES III crew on Mars. 6 sols (days) into their mission a violent sandstorm threatens to knock over their only way home, and they are forced to abort their directives. As they are walking toward the ascent vehicle, a broken dish hits Watney and he is presumed dead. The next morning he wakes up to find himself alone on Mars with a month’s worth of food, limited water supply, and no way to contact NASA. On the other side, NASA must push into top gear in order to rescue him, and deal with the struggle with whether or not to endanger the ARES III crew (who doesn’t know Mark is still alive) by informing them about Watney.
Despite the film’s ability to stay tonally in line, there are significant changes from the book to the film. The movie never explains the science step by step to create the feeling of figuring out the solutions with Watney. Instead the fast-paced movement of the events feels like a race against nature; a constant fight of human accomplishment against the incredible. In some ways, this is more consistent with the themes Weir puts out through the novel; but often it feels rushed as every event isn’t given enough time to sink in before solutions are already being proposed.
THE MARTIAN still deserves my praise as the acting, 3D, set design and attention to detail really pulls you into the idea that this is happening on Mars. Matt Damon is perfect for the role of the snarky but hard working Mark Watney. The movie sports a huge cast of all-star names, too many to list, but each gets their fair share of screen time and falls into their role perfectly. Jessica Chastain is the strong space captain, Chiwetel Ejiofor is the NASA project leader Vincent Kapoor, Jeff Daniels is the head of NASA, and the list goes on and on. The 3D in the film works especially well during the climax as a form of ultra HD. It is never obtrusive or trying to shove Mars into your face. It adds depth to the planet though, and is likely a reason I felt so drawn in. Though the sets are no small feat either. The planet looks desolate, and the scenes in space are enormous.
So much of the film works despite the fact that it shouldn’t. Such a large cast should clutter the screen instead of complimenting it. And one person should not be able to carry large sections of the movie entirely by himself. A movie this big should have lost a lot of its character through red tape and broadening for mass audiences. Instead the humor, the nerdiness, and the beauty of Mars all work together to create a fantastic film.
