By Howard Kim, Co-Editor-in-Chief
In 2014, director Christopher Nolan premiered “Interstellar,” a movie that has firmly cemented itself among the greatest space films of all time. With its rerelease 10 years later, in a world that has since changed in unimaginable ways, Nolan’s cosmic odyssey reminds us that our humanity was, is and always will be our greatest strength.
In the midst of extreme food shortages and climate change, Joseph Cooper, a father and NASA pilot, reluctantly leaves his daughter Murph and his son Tom behind to lead a space expedition to examine planets that could potentially serve as humanity’s new home. With the weight of humanity’s survival resting upon his shoulders, he flies through a wormhole into the unknown with three crewmates. Drawing on his love for his children, he overcomes obstacle after obstacle, from near-death encounters with inhospitable conditions to an astronaut attempting to betray all of humanity to save himself.
From start to finish, “Interstellar” is the epitome of what cinema should be: action-packed yet heartfelt, melded with the spectacle and gravitas of a true Hollywood gem. Before beginning to illustrate the high stakes of the mission, Nolan opens the film by zooming in on Joseph Cooper’s everyday life with his children and his role as a loving father. No matter the problems that exist in the world, the audience sees that the family’s run-down farmhouse is home for him.
In fact, if it wasn’t for the title of the film, the audience would have no idea the story would even unfold outside of county limits, let alone the planet. Through his storytelling, Nolan covertly lays the foundation for the enduring motif of love that guides and motivates Joseph Cooper throughout his journey full of uncertainty.
As he ventures onward, Nolan’s signature style of stunning visuals spreads its wings, taking advantage of the otherworldly landscapes and starry expanses the plot offers. Simultaneously, the movie’s soundtrack is a work of art on its own. Crafted by Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, the “Interstellar” theme song, with its characteristic lonesome piano and eventual swell into a full orchestra ebb and flow, provides you the feeling of hearing your heart beating in your ears as Earth grows smaller in the rearview mirror.
Overall, Nolan does fall short in one key respect: cinematography. Although what he shows in the scenes themselves is beautiful, the way he shows them is cut and dry. The vast majority of the film uses a bland mix of medium and wide shots. With the exception of very few action-heavy scenes, Nolan’s cinematography illustrates the story but doesn’t quite add to it.
However, the character development, visuals and soundtrack tell a beautiful tale of a father setting out in search of a better future for his kids. As our own world continues to evolve, we should remember to look inward for compassion and determination — just like Joseph Cooper forging a better path forward.
Howard Kim can be reached at [email protected].
