Christopher Nolan has made a solid place for himself in the rank of modern filmmakers. His latest film, Interstellar, further establishes his stance. It is a wondrously beautiful movie, with intense sci-fi sequences, a solid and talented cast, and even some thought-provoking ideas. This is not one to be missed.
Satirical story
With the growing problems of pollution, global warming, and overpopulation in our world, many modern films focus on the ill effects. And there is one solution that is often stated: that we will one day have to leave this planet. It is this idea that Interstellar is primarily based on.
Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is a former NASA test pilot that has now resorted to farming in order to provide for his family. He lives in a debilitating world, where dust storms are regular and crops are failing due to pollution. It is clear that our time here is limited, and Cooper seems to be one of the only people who knows it. But he soon discovers there are others who believe it as well, and have been running secret missions in anticipation of starting life over on another planet. Cooper is brought on board as a pilot for the “Endurance”, whose mission is to set out through a wormhole in order to seek out a sustainable planet in another galaxy. But, he has to leave his family behind in order to do so, which is especially hard on his youngest daughter Murphy.
This is not an environment-oriented movie, though. It may be part of the agenda, but really, the idea of our world coming apart is merely the premise necessary in order to get Interstellar off the ground. And once it does, prepare yourself.
Realistic and dazzling visuals
The intense space scenes of Interstellar reminded me of the Mission: Space ride at Disney World, with the only difference being that you don’t actually wear a seatbelt. But maybe it would be better if you had one, because the vibrations are sometimes so shattering that they shake your entire body. And Hans Zimmer‘s pulse-pounding score further adds to the experience. They should have a warning label outside the theater, just as they do for the Disney ride: “Warning: this is a high-speed roller coaster ride”. It is one of the most exhilarating space movies I have ever seen, with the possible exception of last year’s Gravity.
Theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, on whose writings Interstellar is based, served as a scientific consultant on the film. Together with Christopher Nolan and the effects team, they created what is perhaps the most scientifically accurate depiction of a wormhole on screen. It is here presented as a sphere of neon-gold light, and when passing through it, it becomes an array of hypnotic spirals and colors. The best comparison that I can think of is from the scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey when David passes through the monolith. Much of the film, including its ideas and space scenes, are influenced by 2001, and it is clear that Nolan is a huge fan of the classic film.
Solid casting
The cast of Interstellar is vast, and includes some great talent, even from actors that you might not have known were in the movie. It of course includes recent Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey in the lead role of Cooper. McConaughey‘s deeply felt performance is among the best of his career, which lately has had many high points. But here he has much more of a chance to show his range, such as in several scenes where we see tears streaming down his face as he is overcome with emotion. It is hard to look on at times, as we witness somebody at their most vulnerable state.
Anne Hathaway also gets her chance to shine as Cooper’s second-in-command, and Michael Caine is good as always as a science professor. But for a supporting role, it is Jessica Chastain that will be most remembered. Her role comes more towards the middle, but she lights up the screen.
Existential themes
“Love is the one thing that transcends time and space.” It is an idea that you may not always expect to see in a science fiction movie. But it is one that is at the heart of Interstellar.
Nolan often probes into the deepest emotions of his characters, making them honest, multi-layered creations. He did it with Leonardo DiCaprio‘s character, Cobb, in Inception, and with Christian Bale‘s Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight. And Interstellar is no exception. Cooper may be an astronaut intent on saving humanity, but he is also a father, and cannot stand the thought of his kids growing up without him. It is an idea that may unknowingly influence his decisions in space, and not in a good way.
So Interstellar poses the question: Why is it important that we have emotions in the first place, and what exactly do they mean? Some people may think it is just a result of evolution, and that our connections to people are a result of a need for our species to survive. But if that were true, then why do our emotions sometimes harm us instead, and force us to make rash decisions? Or why do we feel emotion for people that have died?
Maybe love is something more, and maybe it’s not only real, but necessary. At least Christopher Nolan seems to think so. And it’s hard to argue with his enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Interstellar is a movie that has divided audiences and critics. Some think it is a brilliant, thoughtful masterpiece, while others concede that it tries to do too much and is overly long. There were times when I was actually divided as well, and wasn’t sure where the movie was going or why certain scenes existed. But, by the end, when everything wrapped up, I suddenly saw the light of Interstellar. And I realized that, despite its flaws, this is truly one for the ages.
So what did you think of Interstellar? How would you rank it in terms of Christopher Nolan’s movies? Sound off in the comments below!
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