The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: Interstellar (2014)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

Interstellar (2014)

What are the most influential building blocks in the history of science fiction? Georges Melies channeled the wonders of Jules Verne’s works to change filmmaking at the dawn of cinema. The 1950s brought in a classic golden age of sci-fi through so many great films from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Forbidden Planet. But Stanley Kubrick completely changed the game with 2001: A Space Odyssey. This is the single most influential film to modern science fiction films. The fingerprints of 2001 are all over so many films. One filmmaker who channeled the great history of sci-fi and crafted a film that stands on its own merits is Christopher Nolan. This project? Interstellar.

What makes Interstellar such an impactful and beloved science fiction epic? The filmmaking achievement of Nolan makes this a truly masterful experience. The scale is just incredible as we get a futuristic dust bowl Earth, the vastness of space, multiple new planets, a black hole, and the mind-boggling tesseract at the end of the film. The impressive craft and details that went into each setting of the film are impressive. The visual effects are downright incredible with each creation looking real and authentic. The practical effects are impressive as well as Nolan crafting a lived-in world that makes the experience much more engrossing. One of the most important technical pieces of the film is the score from Hans Zimmer. The organ work is epic and emotive giving the film scale and emotion that is at times even overwhelming. There is not a single weak point in the technical presentation of Interstellar.

Why does Interstellar stand out in the impressive filmography of Nolan? The emotion and heart are unmatched. One of the most consistent complaints lodged against Nolan is the lack of emotion in many of his films. They are technically unmatched but can be cold and distant. But Interstellar is a film about more than just technical experience. The thematic core of the film is the power of love and connection (specifically between a father and his daughter). This love transcends time and space becoming the central fixture of the film’s tesseract climax. There is plenty of emotion as well including a scene featuring our protagonist breaking down in tears after realizing the time he has lost in space away from his family. One key and mysterious character, Dr. Mann, embodies the complete loss of faith in humanity and loss of hope. This is a film about hope and the human need to hold on to it.

What element of the film takes Interstellar over the line into an all-time science fiction masterpiece? The cast. Matthew McConaughey delivers one of the best performances of his career with so much love and emotion in his character, Cooper. One of the keys to Cooper’s arc is his connection with his daughter Murph. Whether it is Mackenzie Foy, Jessica Chastain, or Ellen Burstyn, Murph is the true emotional core of the film. Chastain delivers a fantastic performance that anchors all the Earth-bound scenes in the film. Anne Hathaway, an always incredible performer, does a fantastic job of being the foil and main companion to Cooper on this space journey. But there are plenty of talented actors who add depth and layers to this epic. John Lithgow. Matt Damon. Michael Caine. Bill Irwin. You will be surprised by just how many familiar faces you will see along the way.

What has the legacy for Interstellar become over the last 11 years since its release? For many, this is the best science fiction film of that period. Nolan is one of the premier filmmakers of his generation and he wears all his influences on his sleeve while still creating a film that is wholly his own. This film might have received more mixed reactions upon release, but its love and admiration have grown since. Interstellar’s presence on streaming will continue to do that and make sure to get on the train.

Interstellar is streaming on Netflix.