The Martian (2015): Surviving Mars

ByFabian Bullitt

2015 • Ridley Scott • 2.39:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓

Directed by Ridley Scott and based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, The Martian tells the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after his crewmates presume him to be dead. With limited supplies, he must use his scientific knowledge and ingenuity to survive, while NASA and his crewmates work to rescue him.

This epic survival tale focuses on a scientific approach to problem-solving. For each new obstacle, Dr. Mark Watney, a botanist, methodically explores its options. This makes the film episodic, with the level of tension evolving depending on the task ahead, as the dramatic stakes rise and fall in the blink of an eye. Mars is presented as a hostile environment, and the use of wide shots constantly reminds us of how insignificant one person is in a sea of red dust.

Centred on Matt Damon’s performance, The Martian is a science fiction film grounded in realism and problem-solving logic, but with humour and optimism. It’s a survival story about resilience and rationality that keeps things dangerous while never ceasing to show the beauty and lethality of life outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

Technical Specs:

  • The Story: After a fierce storm forces his crew to evacuate, an astronaut is left stranded on Mars and must rely on his ingenuity, science, and determination to survive while awaiting rescue from Earth. Read my review of The Martian.
  • Actors: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Donald Glover.
  • Director: Ridley Scott
  • Year: 2015
  • Cinematographer: Dariusz Wolski
  • Origin: American Cinema
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
  • Genre: Sci-Fi
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