Stranded

Survival films are a great source of entertainment on the big screen because of their character value.

They allow us to identify with, or root for a strong survivor type character, on the most basic of levels.

These films, with for instance actors like Tom Hanks adapting to and becoming a part of the wilderness and of an unrelenting type of wild Nature, are great classics because they not only create an imaginary world of adventure and obstacles to overcome, but also bring us closer to our most instinctive human needs.

They make us ask ourselves questions such as what are really the most important things in life, ie what are the basic things we require to survive and which make us put our desires into perspective.

These are films about human nature and what unites as a human race against Nature's forces rather than what separates us as nations.

This is the formula repeated, in a way, by 'The Martian', starring Matt Damon as the stranded hero, fighting to stay alive on Mars; in an unfamiliar, harsh wasteland of a habitat, where the only helpful elements are organic ones, as well as his knowledge of numerals and letters for remote communication.

This is a film which not only reminds us of our mortality and vulnerability, as bleeding, ageing humans, but equally, and thankfully, about our strength of mind and resilience when we may be facing death.

It brings the instinct of survival to the forefront as one of the most powerful inherent instincts of any human being, but of course it also points to character being essential to survival.

Matt Damon's character is tailored to be an extraordinary one; an inventive, creative and strong willed person, but the story also shows us on some level, the shared resilient qualities of individuals when faced with life threatening situations.

The scenery is fabulous with the toned down oranges and browns of the landscapes of a deserted Mars; a vast horizon of nothingness but somehow imbued with energy and force.

The elements include the atmosphere's particularities such as strong rain and gusty winds.

These put Matt to to the test and call on his scientific training in order to move back in time, metaphorically speaking, and go back to the basics of how the earth's/soil's own treasures can help him produce food for himself, in order to last a while, and till his 'friends' on earth can come up with a plan to rescue him.

Numerals and letters are used as symbols for communicating and this also takes us back to original means of language and counting, reminding us of how far science has taken us, as well as how we sometimes have to remember to deconstruct what we have created in order to save ourselves.

This is a deep notion worth thinking about, because we in fact do often forget what science has allowed and we end up using technology blindly. These scientific and technological advances make us less aware of Nature and the organic world as the source of it all.

Another concept which was touched upon was the theological one of existence and religion with the use of the cross as a symbol in the film, as well as a being utilised as a wooden object being put to good use by Matt in order to create fire, fuel and energy ultimately for himself.
The idea here is that spirituality can go hand in hand with science. 

The many scientific tools, which the hero presents us with during the film in order to create situations to save himself, are truly fascinating.

Matt Damon's acting is sublime, especially in one of the opening scenes where he has to literally operate on himself alone. 

Of course there are the usual let down facets of the movie, such as an overly enhanced sense of idealism where nations come together to save one man. This maybe realistic on some level because NASA wants to conserve its good reputation by doing saving one of it's own, but equally seems very unrealistic and 'Hollywoodish' because somehow exaggerated. 

We may find it a little hard to believe that nations and masses of people all over the world would be so greatly engrossed with the survival of one stranger, no matter how special and heroic he may be, and even if he is a child of NASA and stranded in the stars

People in real life are slightly more involved with their own personal affairs than that of others.

But for the sake of argument and a hopeful, positive outlook, let us say that the film gives a feeling of unity of all people coming together for this one good cause in trying to save a fellow human being.

This in itself is a lovely thought even if short lived and is mainly found in the world of cinema.

The humour is carried out foremost by Matt in a couple of good scenes, and although the script is not a huge one, this is a lengthy film. It does not feel long though, because of timed editing and the excellent acting abilities of the hero Mr Damon.

Describing the directing seems a mute exercise in this case, as words really could not do justice to the Cinematography. It is Ridley Scott after all, and his name being in the credits, in anyway at all, really says it all and is always enough of an incentive.

 Worth the trip to Mars definitely. Happy Travels!