Spectacular indeed, but then?

Rating: 7/10 (9 November 2014)

I was very curious to see Christopher Nolan's latest movie Interstellar even though I'm not a sci-fi fan - but I'm a fan of Mr. Nolan-, plus both public and critiques made very positive comments about it. The story is set in a world devastated by drought and famine that will lead humanity to extinction unless a group of NASA scientists and explorers find another planet where life is possible. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is chosen to be the pilot of the Endurance that will leave for a journey through space. Cooper is put in front of a choice: staying with his children on Earth or following Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) and her crew to possibly save the world. The movie is beautifully conducted by director Nolan. Cinematography and sound work perfectly together and give a sense of total immersion in this breathtaking travel. The alternation of moments of music composed by Hans Zimmer, sounds and complete silence accompany the events and the steps of the journey and, at the same time, contribute to create feelings of anxiety, astonishment and isolation. Isolation is always present in the movie: the explorers are alone in space, they are small compared to the immensity of the universe while people on Earth are condemned to death - they feel like they have been left alone. Cooper's house itself is isolated: we don't feel presence of others except for the main characters - humanity that needs to be saved is an entity whose pain and curse we don't perceive. The film is focused on individual stories: a father who decides to leave his children to follow the aspiration that was denied to him in the past, even though the goal is universal: saving human race. Time is the undeniable protagonist and villain: Cooper, Murphy and Amelia have to find a solution before it is too late. Shifting of time The cast does a wonderful job - especially Academy Award winner Matthew Mccauneghy, although of course it can't be compared to the performance that got him the Academy Award. Overall I liked this film even though I'm afraid that in the end, screenwriters Nolan pushed their creativity way too far and weren't able to find (in 169 minutes) a better solution that would more realistically lead the film to an happy end. It is so strained that makes the film lose all its atmosphere. The problem with this kind of movies - Gravity does the same mistake, in my opinion - is that it is hard to conciliate powerful visuals with a beautiful story. I admit that it does get emotional at times and it is not always predictable but It seems like the storyline is sacrificed into clichés in order for technical aspects to be at their best. Visual should support the story and not vice versa. It is a stunning movie, but yet not the best from Nolan, who is now considered a legend for his capability of creating other dimensions and for this reason it is easy to have too high expectations for his works that not always will be satisfied.