REVIEW: The Martian provides audiences with an inspiring film that stays true to its source material.
By Frank Racobs, Staff Writer
The Martian, a 2015 film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Andy Weir, is a masterpiece of science-fiction. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Matt Damon as astronaut Mark Watney. Watney and five other crew members are part of a Mars mission to establish an artificial habitat capable of supporting life for extended periods of time. Tragedy strikes, however, when a catastrophic storm hits, forcing Watney’s colleagues to abandon the planet and presume him dead. Watney finds himself alone on the desolate planet, with food storages that can last him about a hundred days. However, through his wit and knowledge of botany, Watney is able to create sustainable food and water sources on a planet that supports no natural growth.
Ridley Scott proves he is a master of the science fiction genre with this film. He directs the film in such a way where simply following a solo character on Mars never loses your interest. Scott captivates the audience with a superficially boring story by providing contrasting viewpoints between Mark Watney’s survival on Mars and the NASA group’s struggle to find a realistic way to bring him home.
Matt Damon gives a virtuoso performance as astronaut Mark Watney. Acting alone on screen throughout a film can be very difficult for actors, a fact that almost persuaded Damon to turn down the role. Despite these difficulties, Damon is able to act himself, establishing a lasting emotional connection with the audience. Matt Damon is the perfect actor to play a character like Mark Watney, who needed to be someone whom the audience could both relate to and root for.
This movie also delivers a surprising amount of comedy that separates it from other science fiction movies. One of Mark Watney’s greatest traits is his optimism, which allows him to keep fighting for survival while providing many of the humorous moments in the film. When Watney is able to grow potatoes on his makeshift farm he jokingly claims to be “the greatest botanist on this planet.” The dialogue is able to differentiate among serious, heartwarming, and comedic tones throughout the film, a tribute to the skill of the film’s screenplay writer, Drew Goddard.
The science fiction genre can often produce ambiguous films, leaving viewers confused throughout the film. The Martian promotes relevant scientific inquiry while keeping it simple. The story and presentation of the film enables viewers to follow and understand Watney’s steps for survival. The audience is able to empathize with Watney, truly place themselves inside his unique situation. At certain points in this film, Ridley Scott’s creative direction gives it more science and less fiction.
The Martian is a superb film that tells an inspiring story of one man’s perseverance and strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. With great writing, acting and directing, The Martian covers all bases by delivering suspense, comedy and drama.