So Interstellar finally arrived, and it was EVERY BIT the grandiose, epic, exhilarating to the point of exhaustion space travel blockbuster we were promised. It’s also quickly establishing itself as the most divisive movie of the season. Flawed perhaps, many elements of its storyline would struggle to pass logical scrutiny, but hey! That’s the fiction part in science-fiction and, to Christopher Nolan’s credit, somehow as a whole it manages to be far more than the sum of its parts.
Reviewing it in a manner that doesn’t spoil its many twists would be a nearly impossible task, so we thought an original way to expose our thoughts would be to compile an imaginary soundtrack packed with hits, like the ones big summer movies from the 80s used to complement their scores with, which in this case would have been of help to balance Hans Zimmer’s rousing work; so loudly trying to keep you on the edge that during certain scenes it even renders the dialogue inaudible.
BEASTIE BOYS-Intergalactic
Kick-starting the selection with the Beastie Boys and their hip-hop classic Intergalactic would cheekily set the mood for a mankind saving journey into space and time.
R.E.M. “It’s The End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
Despite its generous length, Interstellar overflows with ideas. So much is crammed here that it could have been made as a trilogy, each of its acts a completely different film in tone and genre; the first of which would be an intimate family drama set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic future where giant dust storms invade everything and our planet has been left depleted of resources, slowly coming to an end. Farmers are the pillars of this new society where food is scarce, crops disappearing and the history books have been rewritten to deny scientific advances that cannot be mantained any longer. This part it’s the heart of the film, yet feels rushed and underexplored. Somehow we are left waiting to know more about the main characters, former astronaut Cooper and his family; their relationships, motivations and the conditions of their new existence.
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS “The Ghost In You”
A metaphysical aspect key to the story is introduced at the very beginning by Cooper’s rebellious daughter Murph -excellent Mackenzie Foy- who believes there’s a ghost in her room. Being a man of science her dad tries to make sense of those paranormal events, which will lead to the discovery that would kick-start the whole adventure. This element’s explanation morphs through the film, and becomes instrumental to its resolution. Are there some alien forces trying to help us?
PETER SCHILLING ‘Major Tom’
The second and most accomplished act on its own would make a perfect space adventures film. Cooper discovers part of his former NASA team has been secretly working on finding a habitable planet for the survival of mankind and he’s needed to lead the four astronaut expedition in spaceship Endurance. Former explorations have provided several options, but a shortage of time and resources will come on their way. Matthew McConaughey is perfectly cast as the cocky hero abandoning his children in the nick of time to save them and future generations from the Earth’s doomed fate. Anne Hathaway works well as his sidekick, heading a small team of scientist and with an alternative in mind in case things don’t go according to plan. It boasts impressive effects, jaw dropping cinematography and a relentless string of obstacles to overcome, worlds to discover, galaxies to explore….
DMX CREW “Worm hole”
Discovered next to the rings of Saturn, a wormhole (some sort of space tunnel or shortcut between two points) would be the gate to reach those other planets, potential new homes for earthlings. The journey gets dizzy and it’s also the first of many science concepts thrown into the equation. Later on black holes, event horizons, etc. will arrive.
ANTHONY AND THE JOHNSONS-Another World
The adventure continues after successfully going through the wormhole and landing in the first of the targeted planets, where disappointment ensues and tragedy strikes.
SUPER FURRY ANIMALS-If you don’t want me to Destroy You
The force of Gravity is quintessential at every stage of the film, is the main impediment for a giant humanity rescuing spaceship being able to take off from earth, so while our heroes are looking for their next destination, back home a team of professors (Michael Caine passing the torch to Jessica Chastain, who appears as Cooper’s daughter when adult) are trying in parallel to solve gravity’s equation and transcend its limitations.
JOHN BARRY-Science Fiction
The Nolans (Christopher & Jonathan, director and writer) approach science-fiction as if they were developing some open-source software. Focusing on big existential questions the film borrows from the genre’s rich history at almost every step, incorporating references from many of its most iconic classics, from the obvious 2001 imagery to Event Horizon; Solaris; Alien; AI; Contact; Signs and plenty others, they build up its storyline upon them. It is likely you will notice some of your favourite space movies as part of its inspiration, which adds a feeling of familiarity that helps navigating (and understanding) its most challenging concepts.
AALIYAH-Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number
Einstein’s theory of relativity is another ongoing principle fundamental to the story, mentioned in some of the more Nolanesque, multiple layers of reality type of moments, particularly to explain how time can pass at different speeds and the factors this speed depends on, as well as its repercussions on us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8tMF_ZiHqc
DEVO-The Fourth Dimension
The third and final act is where the metaphysical element returns and merges with the emotional ones, taking control of the narrative; things are pushed to test the limits of plausibility and visually and conceptually the film achieves some of its most original qualities, as well as some of its silliest. Whether it succeeds or not in rounding its story on a satisfying manner will be the subject of much speculation.
EURYTHMICS-Miracle Of Love
Near the end and diving in its sentimental side, love is acknowledged as a powerful energy and a force as strong as gravity, capable to bend the rules of space and time. Love and gravity together can save mankind. Yipeeeee! A big, anthemic power ballad is due.
SPACE-The Femaleof the Species
A rushed conclusion piles up too many things in a short time, again! Including a big tease, Will there be a sequel? ★★★★
You can check our Interstellar spotify playlist in full (Watch out for spoilers!!) here.