This
is one film I have been waiting for so long to watch. I am a big fan of the
director Christopher Nolan. Ever since he burst into the Hollywood movie scene
with Memento (2000), he has directed
6 more films to with rave reviews from critics and audiences. Nolan is notably
famous for reviving DC Comics superhero character on film with Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He gained
even more recognition with the mind-blowing Inception
(2010), a movie which I feel is the last true original story to come out
from Hollywood.
His
next film is Interstellar. Directed
by Nolan who also co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan Nolan. The
film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain,
Mackenzie Foy, David Gyasi and John Lithgow. The film is co-distributed by
Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures.
How
will Christopher Nolan’s latest film fare up with the rest? Do read on.
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| Matthew McConaughey in the male lead role of Cooper |
SYNOPSIS:
In
the not too distant future, planet Earth will be deemed almost inhabitable.
Plantations are constantly ravaged by dust storms and humankind is reduced to
being farmers. Former NASA test pilot named Cooper, who manages a corn
plantation, is mysteriously called upon by his former employees to a secret
NASA base. At this NASA base, he is thrust into piloting a spacecraft that
would venture into outer space in search of possible new planets for humanity
to continue its existence. Together with 3 other scientists, they venture into
the far reaches of outer space. They soon discover unexpected challenges which
test their limits human beings.
 |
| Anne Hathaway in the female lead role of Amelia Brand |
SCRIPT:
Original,
adventurous, and magical. As with Nolan’s film Inception, he writes another script based on an original idea which
is very rarely seen in Hollywood. The script has a solid structure with a good
mix of science-fiction and drama. The premise of the story is a bit far-fetched
but the story slowly makes us forget all the technical jargon as the script
keeps us rooted in the drama. The plot holds many surprises and gets more
interesting almost scene after scene. Despite a few minor plot holes, it is forgivable
as the story focuses more on how the characters will overcome challenges. There
are a lot of underlying themes about life throughout the movie which I feel was
a positive addition. Good characterization for all characters.
 |
| Mackenzie Foy as Murphy, daughter of Cooper |
ACTING:
The
film has two Oscar winners, Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, in the
leading roles. They did not disappoint. They both gave masterful performances
worthy of awards and carried their characters well. However, they were outshone
by strong supporting performances from Jessica Chastain and young Mackenzie Foy
which should not be overlooked.
 |
| Searching for a new home |
FILMING:
As
with most science-fiction films, it is expected that visual effects plays a prominent
role and in this film and it does. However, Nolan focuses more on the acting
and the story rather than being dependent on the visual effects. The visual effects
for the film are spectacular and do give the audience a scale on how large the
universe is. The shots are creative and the editing is well organized. The
cinematography is also a beautiful splendor to look at.
 |
| Christopher Nolan directing Matthew McConaughey on set. |
PACING:
A
very good pacing despite a very slow start. The film builds up well in the middle
with a good climax in the end. The film runs for about 2 hours and 45 minutes
but it does not feel that long.
TONE (MOOD):
It
is a race against time to ensure that the future of the human race lives on.
 |
| Beautiful cinematography |
DOWNSIDE:
The
long duration might turn off some people.
UPSIDE:
Lots
of surprises and twists along the way. Good positive underlying themes about
humanity in general.
 |
| The genius that is Christopher Nolan |
OVERALL:
A
must-watch and must not miss! Watch it in IMAX or halls with big screens. My
vote for movie of the year.
RATING:
9.5 out of 10
