Interstellar - Review Thread

Interstellar (2014)

I recently wrote a blurb on Facebook about a couple science fiction things, one of them being about the use of technology. Very often, and sometimes it's the premise of a movie, technology is this double-edged sword that can do awesome things, but will always betray us in the end. This movie's first 10 minutes is devoted to introducing us to a few characters and the father-daughter relationship, but it's also being pro-technology with its depiction of the drone, and also with a lot of little things. This movie is suspenseful, exciting, occasionally funny, ambitious, and layered wonderfully with relevant themes such as those showcased even in the opening 10 minutes.

It's really the second half of this movie that I would call brilliant, but that's not to speak lightly of the first half. Some shaky choices are made, especially involving Cooper's rushed introduction into the main plot, but the Nolans do a great job of painting a picture of this near-future Earth. And this is really the most difficult future to depict. Anyone can tell a story thousands of years in the future where mankind is enslaved by giant beets, or everyone flies spaceships and eats lasers, but to extrapolate the problems of today's society and fast-forward only about 50 years can be a daunting task; it has to be relatable, stick to only one or two problems we face today, but still be interesting and believably prophetic. The year is about 2050 and the planet is falling apart. This isn't Mad Max where everyone is killing each other for fuel, not even quite Children of Men territory where the world is starting to go to hell and humanity is breaking down. Instead, everyone is kind of in denial about where things are heading and everyone is doing their best to survive a bit longer. Society isn't panicking, they're apathetic. Sound familiar? It's clear we don't have too much time left, but it shows this without the subtle hammer of a Michael Bay film. Then we get into the great stuff.

Nolan says there is no green screen in this film, but don't let that fool you, there are special effects. They're great, but also austere and restricted. Many of the shots of outer space show the side of their spaceship as if the camera is strapped there and it's a style that works well for the film. But don't worry, this isn't a found-footage style. There are also plenty of long shots, and extremely-long, Lawrence of Arabia-esque shots that give the movie that epic feel we were all waiting for. And speaking of epic, Hans Zimmer has really outdone himself this time. There were times they must have been tempted to use "2001: A Space Odyssey" inspired music, but instead take some pretty risky chances with music that sounded more like it belonged in The Exorcist. It's amazing and it's the #1 driving force in many scenes, including in what I will call "the spinning scene."

As I said, the second half is amazing, filled with many scenes and plot lines that aren't even hinted at in the trailers. First, I'd like to talk about "Dr. Mann's" planet.

If you loved the editing of Inception (who doesn't?), then you're going to love this film. There are intercuts of shit going down millions of miles away along with stuff back at Earth and their own dealings. It's all handled very well. It's the VERY ending that I have a beef with...

Obviously, don't read this stuff if you have not seen the movie. I'm getting into everything.

Despite this major flaw in an essential moment of the film, the movie still stands as an incredible achievement of filmmaking and a four-star movie. It was pretty damn close to being a masterpiece.

****/****