The Martian

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2015)

SPOILER ALERT: beginning basic plot leak
The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott is a shining example of the building power and artistic visual expression a film can share with a science fiction novel. This suspenseful, science fiction film starring Matt Damon as the resourceful astronaut Mark Watney, demonstrates the gripping reality of high science fiction in a vivid depiction of the dangers of being trapped on Mars. An unexpected turn of events leaves Mark Watney, thought to be left for dead yet very much alive, stranded on Mars with no communication with Earth. This unfortunate happening leaves Mark wandering the abandoned astronaut outpost originally designed for his entire team, whom evacuated Mars during a space storm. This film has an overall eerie feel, similar to several other science fiction films by Ridley Scott, like Alien or Prometheus. The dark lighting that would be expected of the outpost creates unsettling shadows during the film adding to the tension and enforcing the grave reality of Mark Watney's situation. The lone astronaut also makes log recordings on his computer throughout the movie forcing the viewer to watch the recording screen, which adds a realistic connection to common activities practiced by most viewers, similar to chat rooms or skype. This perspective is personal and would evoke pathos in most viewers. Overall this film uses many popular and sometimes overlooked elements of film to bring a great narrative to the big screen in a way that not only supports the written plot, but builds upon it.