The Martian movie analysis and review in film criticism course for advanced ESL students based on the English Immersion Program
The Martian movie trailer
The Martian movie review
The Martian (2015), a gripping sci-fi adventure directed by Ridley Scott, explores the theme of human resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead by his crew during a fierce Martian storm, finds himself stranded and alone on the Red Planet, Mars. With limited supplies and a barren environment against him, Watney must use his ingenuity, botanical expertise, and unwavering spirit to survive until a rescue mission can be mounted.
The film unfolds on two separate but converging storylines. On Mars, Watney meticulously cultivates potatoes in Martian soil using his botanical knowledge and scavenged materials. He employs his scientific background to solve problems, like generating water through chemical reactions, to extend his dwindling resources. Meanwhile, back on Earth, a dedicated team at NASA, led by Director Teddy Sanders (Jeff Daniels), works tirelessly to find a way to communicate with Watney and bring him home. Watney’s crewmates, who feel a deep responsibility for his predicament, defy orders and risk their own lives to find a way to return to Mars and rescue their stranded colleague.
Questions for discussion
- How does The Martian portray the challenges of isolation and resourcefulness in an extreme environment like Mars?
- The film juggles between Watney’s struggle on Mars and the rescue efforts on Earth. How does this dual narrative structure contribute to the overall theme of the story?
- Beyond the scientific ingenuity, The Martian also highlights the importance of teamwork. Give an example of how the film portrays this theme, considering both Watney’s actions and the efforts on Earth.
1. The protagonist Mark Watney faces numerous challenges on Mars. He had to face isolation and lack of supplies. However, with the help of the scientists on earth, his crew and his own knowledge and resourcefulness, he managed to survive that situation.
2. The movies portrays two parallel stories. The struggle of Mark Watney on Mars and the rescue efforts on Earth. In this way the movie displayed how horrifying that situation was. And with perseverance and not losing hope, they were able to complete the rescue mission.
3. The last part of the movie, where they made a plan to pickup Mark from Mars is an example of great teamwork. American and Chinese scientists from Earth, the Hermes crew and Mark himself put there knowledge together to solve the problem.
Thank you for your elaborate comment on the film, The Martian.
Feedback
1. The movies portrays = The movie (film) portrays
2. to pickup = to pick up (phrasal verb)
3. put there knowledge together = (Did you mean) put their knowledge together