On the procedures of space abandonment in The Martian

The Martian may be the first mainstream sci-fi comedy since Mars Attacks (1996). This film, of policies, protocols and procedures takes a light-hearted look at abandonment in space. Sure, there are moments of emotion and tension, but the end is never in doubt.

The Martian becomes a strange mix of realism and fantasy. Like Soderbergh’s Contagion (2011) Scott’s The Martian offers what appears to be a realistic unravelling of the complications (political and scientific) of rescuing a man trapped on Mars. Unlike Contagion, this realism is shattered by frequent moments of comedy. Matt Damon’s stranded astronaut doesn’t suffer the mental torment of being isolated, but instead proves something of a stand up comic, entertaining Nasa and us. The disco soundtrack is a continual reminder that nothing bad will happen, removing any real sense of risk.

The acting is solid and when there is emotion or tension it is down to the cast, not the writing or the broadly drawn scientific stereotypes that painfully explain science using staplers and salt and pepper in what is reminiscent of every sci-fi film ever. The ending feels lifted from the opening of Gravity (2013), but without the stress.

A cynic might say that The Martian is a recruitment film for Nasa and a softener so that the American public don’t complain when plans to colonise Mars are suggested by a not to far away president. Why not go? It seems fun. Whatever it is, The Martian is fun, but forgettable.