dianadiehl
Joined Jan 2006
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dianadiehl's rating
One of the best science fiction movies I've seen in a long time! I'm so glad I ignored the ratings on Amazon.
I have always been fascinated with the psychology of a person who would face the unknown. What kind of person sails off to find the Northwest Passage, explores the Amazon River Basin, takes a bathyscaphe to the deepest ocean trenches, or sails around the world in the face of skepticism and great personal risk? Through the story of one man's expedition into space, "Magellan" explores the driving curiosity and quest for significance that has sparked humankind to spread across the planet.
What "Magellan" is not: this movie is not an action or suspense movie. It's not a space opera. Despite a few attempts at creating a sense of urgency through restricted launch windows (this is not a spoiler--it's a space movie, so it's expected), this movie does not contain nerve-wracking countdowns to self-destruct sequences or chase scenes. It is not a big budget, eye candy extravaganza. The minimalist sets and straightforward production values may not meet the expectations of your average movie-goer who is habituated to breath-taking environments or mind-blowing special effects. (I will go see movies just for the CGI & effects.) Nonetheless, the starkness and simplicity added to my enjoyment. I kept catching myself thinking over and over, "Hey, this is really different--and I like it--a lot!"
Who might like this movie: Anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut. anyone fascinated with the possibility of life--any life--out there. Anyone interested in the uses of AI in space exploration; serious science fiction readers
The acting of the part of the protagonist, a NASA astronaut and scientist, is exceptional in an understated way. I felt as though I were watching the personal odyssey of a real astronaut and not a Hollywood celebrity playing an astronaut. His behaviors were relatable. His focus, sense of duty, and determination define the kind of quiet hero I expect in real life and real exploration. Plotwise, I railed at some of the his actions, but they are well within behaviors of some (not most) scientists in real life and consistent with the development of the character. Curiosity is a compelling motivation. The story arc is convincing, and the hero is a likeable every-man--with some higher academic education.
One reviewer was dismayed about the jargon in the movie. However, I found the use of a little biochemistry and physics terminology refreshing. It was not very complex--just enough to make it feel real. It's nice to see a movie not dumbed down to a sixth-grade education level. And the ability of the actor to portray the simple joy of being "onto something" in the lab made me feel as though I were right there.
The movie proposes more questions than it answers about the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life. So if you are expecting "Alien" monsters or "Star Wars/Trek" aliens--or even "Contact" mysticism, this is not your movie. This is a subtle story about what makes humans explore and the effect on the families explorers leave behind, not about creatures from outer space. It is about the desire for humans not to be alone in a universe that is inconceivably huge.
The cast is small. Although the protagonist's performance was very strong, the supporting cast could have been a little better, perhaps through editing. Nonetheless, I was mesmerized by the story and never bored for a minute. Great movie to come from Kickstarter origins.
Movies this one brings to mind (could be because of music, dialogue, structure, plot, premise,): Contact, 2001 Space Odyssey, Castaway, The Martian, any movie with a talking computer.
I have always been fascinated with the psychology of a person who would face the unknown. What kind of person sails off to find the Northwest Passage, explores the Amazon River Basin, takes a bathyscaphe to the deepest ocean trenches, or sails around the world in the face of skepticism and great personal risk? Through the story of one man's expedition into space, "Magellan" explores the driving curiosity and quest for significance that has sparked humankind to spread across the planet.
What "Magellan" is not: this movie is not an action or suspense movie. It's not a space opera. Despite a few attempts at creating a sense of urgency through restricted launch windows (this is not a spoiler--it's a space movie, so it's expected), this movie does not contain nerve-wracking countdowns to self-destruct sequences or chase scenes. It is not a big budget, eye candy extravaganza. The minimalist sets and straightforward production values may not meet the expectations of your average movie-goer who is habituated to breath-taking environments or mind-blowing special effects. (I will go see movies just for the CGI & effects.) Nonetheless, the starkness and simplicity added to my enjoyment. I kept catching myself thinking over and over, "Hey, this is really different--and I like it--a lot!"
Who might like this movie: Anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut. anyone fascinated with the possibility of life--any life--out there. Anyone interested in the uses of AI in space exploration; serious science fiction readers
The acting of the part of the protagonist, a NASA astronaut and scientist, is exceptional in an understated way. I felt as though I were watching the personal odyssey of a real astronaut and not a Hollywood celebrity playing an astronaut. His behaviors were relatable. His focus, sense of duty, and determination define the kind of quiet hero I expect in real life and real exploration. Plotwise, I railed at some of the his actions, but they are well within behaviors of some (not most) scientists in real life and consistent with the development of the character. Curiosity is a compelling motivation. The story arc is convincing, and the hero is a likeable every-man--with some higher academic education.
One reviewer was dismayed about the jargon in the movie. However, I found the use of a little biochemistry and physics terminology refreshing. It was not very complex--just enough to make it feel real. It's nice to see a movie not dumbed down to a sixth-grade education level. And the ability of the actor to portray the simple joy of being "onto something" in the lab made me feel as though I were right there.
The movie proposes more questions than it answers about the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life. So if you are expecting "Alien" monsters or "Star Wars/Trek" aliens--or even "Contact" mysticism, this is not your movie. This is a subtle story about what makes humans explore and the effect on the families explorers leave behind, not about creatures from outer space. It is about the desire for humans not to be alone in a universe that is inconceivably huge.
The cast is small. Although the protagonist's performance was very strong, the supporting cast could have been a little better, perhaps through editing. Nonetheless, I was mesmerized by the story and never bored for a minute. Great movie to come from Kickstarter origins.
Movies this one brings to mind (could be because of music, dialogue, structure, plot, premise,): Contact, 2001 Space Odyssey, Castaway, The Martian, any movie with a talking computer.
I, too, saw this movie at San Diego Comic-Con 2007, and was incredibly happy that I did. I would, however, in no way consider this a thriller, as another reviewer did. This is a movie to provoke deep thought and conversation and that dares to challenge mainstream beliefs. It is one of the most intensely engaging dramas that I have had the pleasure to see. Excellent ensemble performances created believably real characters, each with his or her own fallibilities, personal credo, and enthusiasms.
The movie is basically a conversation amongst college professors. So if you are looking for serial murders, chase scenes, or shoot-outs, you won't find it here. If you enjoy thought experiments and intelligent discourse, and appreciate what it means to accept your friends for who they are, see this.
I will buy several copies to give to friends.
The movie is basically a conversation amongst college professors. So if you are looking for serial murders, chase scenes, or shoot-outs, you won't find it here. If you enjoy thought experiments and intelligent discourse, and appreciate what it means to accept your friends for who they are, see this.
I will buy several copies to give to friends.