Awakening to a New Dream

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2014)

It's really hard to know where to begin with a film like this, with its attached anticipation of greatness. Few critics can be said to have accused the director of making a bad film, most tend to agree that the vast body of his work is very good, and he draws talented cast members and skilled technicians to his projects. This film also has the advantage of being released when the public, at least in the US, is teetering on the brink of renewing its interest in scientific advancement and exploration of the cosmos, thanks in large part to celebrity scientists such as Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. And while the idea of a sci fi exploration film is hardly new, one might argue that this is the first of its type for a generation of films- keeping in mind that certain films such as Gravity at least cross into the same genre to some degree.
With that in mind, it shouldn't surprise any viewers to find that this territory feels familiar from the start of the film. The rural backdrop contrasted by technology accompanied by an energetic and wistful protagonist, the kids he raises to think freely against the system, a haunted past both in the main character's personal and professional life, mysterious compounds in the middle of nowhere, etc. All these elements are a staple of the explorer's journey, but it is right to say that what is familiar is done right and engages the audience. The film hits its beats right in this regard, and these elements are handled competently.
But what makes Interstellar stand out is the authenticity of its fictional narrative. There was a great degree of effort put forth to make certain the physics and engineering reflected current knowledge and leading theoretical science, and it shows. There's even talk that the computer models used to give a more accurate picture of a black hole actually advanced astrophysics by leading to discoveries and insights about the warped curvature of space time in such an environment as a singularity produces. Many films can be said to have advanced film making technology, and credit is due there, but few if any can actually be credited with driving the understanding of science. Going into the movie with this idea in mind definitely augmented my experience with the film, and I can only imagine it did so for others.
One thing I can't help but notice is how well handled the hero narrative is in this film, relying not on creating overly stylized alpha males and sassy spark plugs, but instead having them quietly step up with no fanfare, no glory, and no one liners, doing what is necessary or making the required sacrifices. Our heroes are tormented by mistakes, torn by their emotional conflicts, and vulnerable when it comes to what they love. It's high time this archetype was made more common IMO, and I wait to see if this film has the kind of success which encourages such well defined characteristics in a protagonist. Given the effectiveness of the narrative, it gives one hope.
Having those aspects combined together with an incredible score, first rate performances, and an intelligent script, Interstellar delivers an amazing cinematic experience. If there were any criticisms I might level at the film, that would be its unmistakable homages to 2001: A Space Odyssey and its somewhat languid pace at times. But these are subjective observations, and should not discourage viewing only for those reasons, which hardly impact the film. I'm giving Interstellar its well deserved 10/10, and recommending it for both imaginative young minds and those adults who never stopped dreaming.