The Timeless Experience of ‘Interstellar’
When we talk about Interstellar, we usually don’t start the conversation with how well it shows relationships. The profundity and complexities of human relations is probably not the first thing mentioned about the movie either.
The science and reality of Interstellar is what comes first to mind, and also is what makes it difficult to turn away from the real-life threat of the world dying — not by blight but definitely by other forces in action. And how everyone will have to try to keep it from dying until alternatives are found.
But there is so little we can do, and there is so little we can change at this point.
The Direction
The Christopher Nolan directorial shares with us a delight in the form of space and time travel. The accuracy of the sciences at play are also a layer to the film’s impactful brilliance. Black holes and space travel are not there only to add to the plot — they are the plot.
The inevitability of black holes and travelling through them is what interested me to delve into the science of the movie. Though I barely understood much of it — my fault for not being too interested in science (sighs) — I understood enough that the movie felt more real than a sci-fi or fantasy.
It is the way it introduces us to its characters and the happenings of its world and its realities. It’s also the intricate nature of shooting each scene that develops an interest for the viewer.
The first time I watched this film was from the 2nd hour mark. I had missed most of the important story-building scenes. But even then, the movie brought me some kind of comfort and fascination.
And I think that’s the least a filmmaker should aspire to; the ability to capture an audience even if they have missed a good portion of their film.
The Story
In all of its glory, Interstellar is always seen as a science movie; a sci-fi/fantasy which is usually raved about because of its intelligence and spectacular story-telling. People recommend the movie to their loved ones, complimenting how brilliant it is. I was even told to watch the film because it had, “amazing visuals and CHRISTOPHER NOLAN directed it!” Literal words by my friend, begging me to watch it.
But no, Interstellar is so much more than just visuals and the science. The sentimentality and the complexities of human relations is what made me love this movie more than many others.
“The intention was to make a film that was very entertaining, but also had a certain emotional and intellectual complexity. And an important part of that is not giving all the answers to the viewer, leaving some things open to interpretation.” — Christopher Nolan to Entertainment Weekly
The relationship between Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter Murph (Mackenzie Foy/Jessica Chastain) is one many can relate to. A father sacrificing so much for the betterment of his children’s future. But the father-daughter relationship is not the only one worthy of appreciation and acknowledgement.
See the way Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway’s Character) rallies to go to Edmund’s (the one she loves) planet because of her feelings, but also because she believes in his findings and him.
It is in these simplistic decisions that make us realize that the film is about more than a world dying. It is about more than the need to find another livable planet. It is about love and how people are capable of pushing their limits to have their loved ones survive.
Cooper, by sacrificing himself so that his daughter and son can have a better future. And Amelia Brand, by not wanting to have Edmund’s sacrifice be in vain.
It’s the waiting, and the wanting, and of course, the surviving to reunite one day. A day that is never guaranteed, but a day that we yearn for regardless.
Brand : Couldn't you've told her you were going to save the world?
Cooper : No. When you become a parent, one thing becomes really clear. And that's that you want to make sure your children feel safe. And that rules out telling a 10-year old that the world's ending.
The Score
One of the most brilliant composers out there, Hans Zimmer, wrote the phenomenal score of the film. Perfectly matching the tempo and flow of the movie, the entire score immerses us into the movie further.
The gradual build up of each piece brings attention to the story and the scenes being played out. The entire soundtrack is one of my all time favorites because of its unique sound. Each piece matched so well with the movie.
One of my favorite scenes is when Cooper watches the rising waves on the first planet. I can still hear the build up of the score (Mountains by Hans Zimmer) and the words that Cooper says before they’re all scrambling to get to the Endurance.
Cooper: Those aren’t mountains... they’re waves.
The Experience
Being an almost 3 hour long movie, Interstellar is more than just a well-crafted and long work of art. It is an experience that never ceases to amaze me.
Watching it always gives me awe, inspiration, and — beyond everything — great happiness. Despite the way the film plays out and Murph is only ever able to see her father at her deathbed after waiting for him her entire life — the movie brings me immense hope and optimism.
I am awed by the idea that maybe there is always something that makes every sacrifice worth it.
Despite Murph longing for her father, she still lived a fulfilling life. Even at the end, she never stopped believing that her father was going to come back. And despite the fact that Edmund has died when Amelia Brand reaches the third planet — there is still hope for humanity to continue on.
The movie doesn’t only give me hope, it also gave all of its characters hope. Controversially, that includes Dr. Mann.
Hope you enjoyed reading this opinionated piece on the beauty that is Interstellar! You can find more of my writings right here on medium. Thank you for reading!
