Interstellar REVISED
3.5/4
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Topher Grace
Rated PG-13 for Some Intense Perilous Action and Brief Strong Language
Note: Normally I don't go back and re-edit a review. although I do occasionally change a film's rating ("Hollow Man," "The Descent," and "Carriers" are three examples). But with "Interstellar," a second viewing was mandatory. There was some brilliant stuff in this movie, but the overbearing sound drowned out much of it. Having seen the movie the way it was meant to be seen, I can say that the original rating was totally inappropriate, and have given it the one it deserves.
One thing I like about Christopher Nolan is that he is a risk-taker. While it's true that he has a number of stylistic touches and a way of telling stories that make it clear that he's the one in charge (downbeat storylines, color desaturation, repeat casting, to name a few), he's always pushing the limits of his talents and trying new things. "Interstellar" is unlike anything he's ever done. Nolan has always demanded that the audience use their brains while watching his movies, but not even "Inception" was this cerebral. In fact, it's closer to an arthouse film than his "Batman" franchise.
That doesn't mean it's inaccessible. Far from it. There's plenty of action and adventure, although this is far removed from "Star Wars" or "Star Trek." To use a cliche, it puts the "science" in science fiction. "Interstellar" is a mentally dense film; turning off your brain will result in the viewer getting lost...guaranteed. In fact repeat viewings are probably going to be essential for many people.
That's okay, though, because the movie, if viewed in the manner Nolan intended, is incredible. It's a beautiful, exhilarating, scary and enriching film. Truly stunning. So many action movies are content to be directed by studio executives and marketing teams (like "Godzilla" and the "Transformers" franchise). But Nolan has always been a storyteller, and that's what he does here.
By now, everyone has read my original review, or more likely, seen the movie already, so I'll skip a plot overview except when I need to.
The performances are outstanding. Matthew McConaughey has never been better than he is as Cooper. Sure, traveling to the stars is something we as a species have only dreamed about, but it comes at a heavy cost: he has to weigh the chance of seeing his family again against the fate of mankind itself. In theory, it's a no-brainer, but McConaughey personalizes it. There's a scene where he is watching a video of his children, and its heartbreaking. Manipulative, yes, but if there's one scene that is going to get the actor another Oscar nomination (which is very likely), this is it. He's surrounded by an able supporting cast, including a tart but emotional Anne Hathaway, a terrific Jessica Chastain and Nolan regular Michael Caine, but this is McConaughey's show.
Nolan's movies have always boasted impressive visuals, but nothing compares to what he has in brought to the table in "Interstellar." I like Wally Pfister's work (Pfister couldn't be Nolan's cinematographer on this film, as he was working on his directorial debut, "Transcendence"), but "Interstellar" is flat-out gorgeous. There are some impressive shots in this film, such as the dust storm or the space station, but the shots set in space and on the other planets are works of art. The planet Saturn makes an appearance, and it will take your breath away. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that Nolan went out there himself.
Apparently I'm not the only one who had problems with the sound in "Interstellar." Seeing it in a different theater made some improvements, but apparently, Nolan wanted the audience to experience sound in chaos, where the characters couldn't understand each other. That aspect doesn't really work, however, because it leads to confusion. Plus, some of the science is confusing for those without physics degrees.
Still, seeing it again was a remarkably different experience. "Interstellar" demands repeat viewings and discussion. It is also one of the best films of the year.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Topher Grace
Rated PG-13 for Some Intense Perilous Action and Brief Strong Language
Note: Normally I don't go back and re-edit a review. although I do occasionally change a film's rating ("Hollow Man," "The Descent," and "Carriers" are three examples). But with "Interstellar," a second viewing was mandatory. There was some brilliant stuff in this movie, but the overbearing sound drowned out much of it. Having seen the movie the way it was meant to be seen, I can say that the original rating was totally inappropriate, and have given it the one it deserves.
One thing I like about Christopher Nolan is that he is a risk-taker. While it's true that he has a number of stylistic touches and a way of telling stories that make it clear that he's the one in charge (downbeat storylines, color desaturation, repeat casting, to name a few), he's always pushing the limits of his talents and trying new things. "Interstellar" is unlike anything he's ever done. Nolan has always demanded that the audience use their brains while watching his movies, but not even "Inception" was this cerebral. In fact, it's closer to an arthouse film than his "Batman" franchise.
That doesn't mean it's inaccessible. Far from it. There's plenty of action and adventure, although this is far removed from "Star Wars" or "Star Trek." To use a cliche, it puts the "science" in science fiction. "Interstellar" is a mentally dense film; turning off your brain will result in the viewer getting lost...guaranteed. In fact repeat viewings are probably going to be essential for many people.
That's okay, though, because the movie, if viewed in the manner Nolan intended, is incredible. It's a beautiful, exhilarating, scary and enriching film. Truly stunning. So many action movies are content to be directed by studio executives and marketing teams (like "Godzilla" and the "Transformers" franchise). But Nolan has always been a storyteller, and that's what he does here.
By now, everyone has read my original review, or more likely, seen the movie already, so I'll skip a plot overview except when I need to.
The performances are outstanding. Matthew McConaughey has never been better than he is as Cooper. Sure, traveling to the stars is something we as a species have only dreamed about, but it comes at a heavy cost: he has to weigh the chance of seeing his family again against the fate of mankind itself. In theory, it's a no-brainer, but McConaughey personalizes it. There's a scene where he is watching a video of his children, and its heartbreaking. Manipulative, yes, but if there's one scene that is going to get the actor another Oscar nomination (which is very likely), this is it. He's surrounded by an able supporting cast, including a tart but emotional Anne Hathaway, a terrific Jessica Chastain and Nolan regular Michael Caine, but this is McConaughey's show.
Nolan's movies have always boasted impressive visuals, but nothing compares to what he has in brought to the table in "Interstellar." I like Wally Pfister's work (Pfister couldn't be Nolan's cinematographer on this film, as he was working on his directorial debut, "Transcendence"), but "Interstellar" is flat-out gorgeous. There are some impressive shots in this film, such as the dust storm or the space station, but the shots set in space and on the other planets are works of art. The planet Saturn makes an appearance, and it will take your breath away. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that Nolan went out there himself.
Apparently I'm not the only one who had problems with the sound in "Interstellar." Seeing it in a different theater made some improvements, but apparently, Nolan wanted the audience to experience sound in chaos, where the characters couldn't understand each other. That aspect doesn't really work, however, because it leads to confusion. Plus, some of the science is confusing for those without physics degrees.
Still, seeing it again was a remarkably different experience. "Interstellar" demands repeat viewings and discussion. It is also one of the best films of the year.
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