Ad Astra

7

Bertaut1Oct 7, 2019

Despite some absurd diversions (chase scene! horror scene! shoot-out scene!), this is a quality science-fiction narrative

Hoping to step into the lineage of such esoteric science-fiction films as 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and SolyarisDespite some absurd diversions (chase scene! horror scene! shoot-out scene!), this is a quality science-fiction narrative

Hoping to step into the lineage of such esoteric science-fiction films as 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Solyaris (1972), Ad Astra is, first and foremost, a mainstream Hollywood movie wherein the demand for crowd-pleasing content clashes with the desire for esotericism. This is manifested in the form of an overly convenient resolution and some of the most ludicrous narrative diversions since the abomination that was Star Wars: The Last Jedi (space pirates! enraged simians! shoot-out!). Which is not to say that I disliked the film – I didn't; even if the narrative never manages to get beyond Heart of Darkness in space and the script relies far too heavily on a sub-Terrence Malick voiceover. The craft on display is exceptional and the story is thought-provoking, with some spectacular visuals. But it could have been so much better.

In the near future, a series of energy surges originating near Neptune leave much of Earth without power. 29 years previously, H. Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), left Earth with the Lima Project, a mission aimed at establishing contact with alien civilisations. Travelling to the same region near Neptune from which the surges are now emanating, 16 years into the mission, all contact was lost. SpaceCom presumed the crew dead, but now they fear that a possibly unhinged Clifford could be behind the surges. And so Maj. Roy McBride (Brad Pitt), Clifford's son, is to travel to a secure long-range communications base on Mars and record a message for Clifford in the hopes he might respond.

Written by James Gray and Ethan Gross, and directed by Gray, Ad Astra wastes no time in tying us rigidly to Roy's perspective; it opens with a POV shot from inside his helmet, and the first words we hear are him speaking in voiceover. This sets up the narrative to come, as Roy remains the sole focaliser throughout. The fact that the film is set amongst the stars, but remains always tied to Roy's perception allows Gray to fashion a narrative that's both massive in scope yet emotionally intimate. He's aided in this by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, whose gorgeous 35mm celluloid photography captures the overwhelming scale, but also frequently frames Pitt in tight close-ups.

Initially played as emotionally closed off ("I've been trained to compartmentalise my emotions"), Roy's stoicism slowly starts to erode as his mission begins to go wrong. Pitt's performance shuns emotional grandstanding, and is terrifically modulated and minimalist, using the lack of outward emotion to inform the character's emotional beats, relying on subtlety and nuanced gesture.

Thematically, Ad Astra is the story of two men obsessed with their profession to the detriment of all else, and like most of Gray's films, it's heavily androcentric, as are its most obvious narrative influences – Heart of Darkness (1899) and Apocalypse Now (1979). Within this, an especially interesting theme is commercialism - Roy takes a Virgin America shuttle to the moon, whilst an exterior shot of a lunar base shows signs for Applebee's, DHL, and Subway. And since the moon is now so like Earth, it's blighted by many of the same issues as Earth; crime, political division, materialism. Indeed, in VO, Roy notes the moon has become a "re-creation of what we're running from on Earth".

However, for all these positives, there are some significant problems. Firstly, there are three ridiculous pseudo-action scenes. The third, at least, is the springboard for the second half of the movie, but it remains a monumentally silly way to advance the plot. The first two scenes, however, serve no such purpose; they lead nowhere, reveal nothing about the character, and have no connection to the esoteric themes found elsewhere.

Another problem is the overly neat finale, which I believe was a reshoot after test audiences responded poorly to the original ending. However, the originally scripted ending made a lot more sense and was thematically fascinating. The other big problem is the VO. Obviously intended to function in much the same way as Willard's in Apocalypse Now, the problem is that most of the time, it's describing something we can see on screen. Pitt's performance is strong enough that the VO is unnecessary, and it's hugely distracting. By the half-way stage, I was sick of Roy's cod-philosophical ramblings that come across like someone trying and failing to imitate Malick.

With all that said, however, it's a testament to the story that despite these hurdles, I still enjoyed the film. The manner in which Gray juxtaposes an intimate tone with massive themes is impressive, and Pitt gives a strong performance. In essence, Ad Astra is a fable about the importance of human connection, played out against the backdrop of the infinite, and despite some significant problems, it's well worth checking out.… Expand

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10

JumpCut_OnlineOct 20, 2019

Ad Astra, through its inherent intelligence and cerebral nature, might not cater to a mainstream audience. It’s a slow burner, favouring a sedately-paced 121-minute runtime to explore the fragility of the human condition, but that is not toAd Astra, through its inherent intelligence and cerebral nature, might not cater to a mainstream audience. It’s a slow burner, favouring a sedately-paced 121-minute runtime to explore the fragility of the human condition, but that is not to say it lacks entertainment. There are a handful of truly exhilarating set-pieces set against the backdrop of planet-to-planet travel, filled with moments of true horror and simultaneous exuberance. Gray’s odyssey is a member of a rare coterie of intellectual science-fiction movies that exist to challenge the parameters of the genre it finds itself in; to be intelligent and also offer spectacle. It may not be for everyone, but by God is it an experience to remember.… Expand

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7

UncleWillardDec 5, 2019

Beautifully shot and acted, but missing something. I truly enjoyed it and got a Terrance Malick vibe from it. I loved that it was really a story about fatherhood and, to an extent, masculinity set in space. It sounds like that would be silly,Beautifully shot and acted, but missing something. I truly enjoyed it and got a Terrance Malick vibe from it. I loved that it was really a story about fatherhood and, to an extent, masculinity set in space. It sounds like that would be silly, but it isn't at all. The only thing I did not care for is Tommy Lee Jones. I found his portrayal to be silly and I was expecting so much more when he and Brad Pitt's character finally met. Outside of that, it's just a solid film.… Expand

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10

AnthonycappozzoDec 19, 2019

I love that nothing in this film is out of reach from man kind. Its amazing how it allows you dream of what could and will be one day. This a well done movie with some truly unbelievably beautiful scenes. The whole cast does a fantasticI love that nothing in this film is out of reach from man kind. Its amazing how it allows you dream of what could and will be one day. This a well done movie with some truly unbelievably beautiful scenes. The whole cast does a fantastic job bringing this film to life. I am so grateful for this beautiful peice of art!… Expand

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10

ArgonautOct 20, 2019

This is a cerebral hard science fiction film. For the fans of 2001, Blade Runner (both), Interstellar, Arrival, and Annihilation. Most likely not for the kids who grew up watching Marvel / DC stuff and cannot bear the pace of classicThis is a cerebral hard science fiction film. For the fans of 2001, Blade Runner (both), Interstellar, Arrival, and Annihilation. Most likely not for the kids who grew up watching Marvel / DC stuff and cannot bear the pace of classic film-making. As a kid who grew up on hard sci-fi novels and an admirer of classic cinema, I have enjoyed it a lot.… Expand

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8

Emanuel44Oct 16, 2019

Amazing cinematography, outstanding performance of Brad Pitt, a bit over-explained at times but very good over-all

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8

truerockAug 25, 2020

Ad Astra is not prose... it is poetry. Perhaps it could be described as an "art film".
I found it to be beautiful and compelling.
I'm not surprised that is is not something that a lot of individuals will care for - and, that's OK. A filmAd Astra is not prose... it is poetry. Perhaps it could be described as an "art film".
I found it to be beautiful and compelling.
I'm not surprised that is is not something that a lot of individuals will care for - and, that's OK. A film can't be for everyone.

Tommy Lee Jones is enough for me to take a look at a movie. Throw in Brad Pitt and Donald Sutherland and I know I have something worth watching.… Expand

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9

EtsSpetsJan 20, 2020

If you like contemplative slow-burning movies then it is an absolute a gem of a movie. I loved the pacing and the story, actor work, and story are solid. Psychological sci-fi at its best.

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8

temptershellJan 2, 2020

The film is extremely boring and tiring but beautifully made. Wonderful music, chase sequences on the moon and virtually every frame.

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8

YoyodyneFeb 7, 2020

Wonderful movie in the true sense of the word, creates wonder.The photography is breath taking and the feeling of being in a space environment is captured seamlessly.
Reminiscent of 2001 in its verisimilitude, but do not expect X-wingWonderful movie in the true sense of the word, creates wonder.The photography is breath taking and the feeling of being in a space environment is captured seamlessly.
Reminiscent of 2001 in its verisimilitude, but do not expect X-wing fighters.
Extremely introspective but in fact it could have been set anywhere (the story could have been set on earth at sea).
The only reservation I have was the gratuitous violence which is orthogonal to the plot… Expand

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10

PalpetineSheevMar 20, 2020

I could go on for literal days about how much I love every single second of Ad Astra. The subtle yet incredible performance from Brad Pitt, the masterful cinematography, the thrilling action sequences, the amazing special effects, sets, andI could go on for literal days about how much I love every single second of Ad Astra. The subtle yet incredible performance from Brad Pitt, the masterful cinematography, the thrilling action sequences, the amazing special effects, sets, and costumes, the use of color, the themes, all of it! James Gray crafted one of the best space films ever made.… Expand

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8

MovieNightsNov 22, 2020

This movie really surprised me. It's incredibly reminiscent of the shots, dialogue, and overall feel of "2001: A Space Odyssey" with the "Apocalypse Now" slow descent into madness, watching yourself change for the worse, questioning yourThis movie really surprised me. It's incredibly reminiscent of the shots, dialogue, and overall feel of "2001: A Space Odyssey" with the "Apocalypse Now" slow descent into madness, watching yourself change for the worse, questioning your beliefs while going after someone who's very far away with a god complex. Some of the science isn't quite perfect but it doesn't distract from the overall movie. Pitt was great in this, definitely one of his best performances. The cinematography was gorgeous and any space loving sci-fi person would love it. This is a great movie and very much recommended. To finish off my review I'd to end it with my favorite quote from the movie when Pitt lands on the moon for the first time and you see a sign for "Subway" and "DHS", "All the hopes we ever had for space travel... covered up by drink stands and t-shirt vendors. Just a recreation of what we're running from on Earth. We are world-eaters. If my dad could see this now... he'd tear it all down. "… Expand

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7

KenROct 29, 2020

There’s enough to like in this space exploration yarn to keep most viewers reasonably compelled - wondering how it may achieve a conclusion. It starts with a bang via some spectacular explosions at high altitude, then slows to examine someThere’s enough to like in this space exploration yarn to keep most viewers reasonably compelled - wondering how it may achieve a conclusion. It starts with a bang via some spectacular explosions at high altitude, then slows to examine some disenfranchised family relationships. All this takes place while a team searches for other forms of intelligent life - in the outer regions of the solar system. Writer-director James Grey (The Immigrant ’13) presents his story within a kaleidoscope of vast and beautiful vistas.

While in some aspects similar to 2001, this is more accessible, offering a little more humanity to contemplate. In some ways, it’s like a cross between Silent Running and a serious take on the Star Wars theme. Some situations come across as maybe a little far-fetched, under-explained and under-developed but it offers a mostly mature script that’s worthy of some thought. Brad Pitt gives one of his more convincing performances - mostly registered by nuanced facial expressions and a nicely handled voice-over ‘thoughts’ approach. A strong ethereal style music score by Max Richter (Testament of Youth ’14) helps build an expansive atmosphere. But, if we are looking for God (as the movie hints) I doubt we are going to find him floating around the solar system – or at least, not until He’s ready to be ‘found’.… Expand

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8

DaermonJan 1, 2020

Very good movie! Story is okey, the CGI and music is awesome, Brad Pitt too.

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7

DawdlingPoetDec 28, 2021

This is quite an atmospheric watch. It features good visual effects and a good performance from Brad Pitt as the main character and Tommy Lee Jones as the father. I could almost feel his determination to re-connect with his father, inThis is quite an atmospheric watch. It features good visual effects and a good performance from Brad Pitt as the main character and Tommy Lee Jones as the father. I could almost feel his determination to re-connect with his father, in whichever form possible. I thought the music/score was particularly good - its quite haunting in a sense, somewhat ethereal. The plot is perhaps a little basic but it works well. I thought it was quite an absorbing watch and so yes, I'd recommend it.… Expand

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10

QuartzcatJun 15, 2020

Beautiful. Lyrical. Perfect movie. Deserved more Oscar's. (The movie Parasite was undeserving. Ladybird was overpraised)

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10

ZieOmegaDec 11, 2020

Not that anyone actually reads unbiased user reviews, but seeing Brad Pitts acting skills in this syfy movie was pretty damn good if not one of his top 5 movies. If anything, he nailed it in terms of physical facial expressions, body behaviorNot that anyone actually reads unbiased user reviews, but seeing Brad Pitts acting skills in this syfy movie was pretty damn good if not one of his top 5 movies. If anything, he nailed it in terms of physical facial expressions, body behavior and voice tone levels to reflect the realism of his character. Also, seeing Donald Sutherland/Tommy Lee Jones in the same movie like Space Cowboys was pretty damn cool and meshed well.

I hope we get to see more of these talented actors teaming up in again… Expand

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9

2roadsDec 26, 2019

This story resonates to a 2nd and 3rd viewing. I always go in wanting to not like a Brad Pitt movie and end up always amazed at his ability to get me hooked on the story.

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7

JoedavidsonDec 30, 2019

Had some corny moments but the intrigue carries you through the whole movie. A good movie but not the best movie. Great work to Brad Pitt - Strong Performance as usual but still not his best work

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10

DhhhgtyfrrApr 18, 2020

Awesome movie. It's almost same the Interstellar. The film is full of meaning, drama. The actors played great. The team working on the film is especially grateful.

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8

siameeziJul 18, 2020

Loved this movie! A proper film-lovers film with a real undercurrent of gravitas evident throughout. Often felt to me like I was watching a space-age version of Apocolypse Now. Beautifully shot, weighted just about perfectly as a characterLoved this movie! A proper film-lovers film with a real undercurrent of gravitas evident throughout. Often felt to me like I was watching a space-age version of Apocolypse Now. Beautifully shot, weighted just about perfectly as a character study (of Brad Pitt's character), plus I thought that Pitt, just like Martin Sheen in FF Coppola's classic, carried the whole venture, and us with it, along fantastically.… Expand

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8

iCampoRamilNov 16, 2021

Muy buena interpretación por parte de Brad Pitt, y una gozada visualmente, sí señor.

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9

macro_zorkiOct 6, 2022

One of the best movies i have seen in a long time. it takes its time to build up. and maintains a slow but strong movement. it its message it hits home for me. i am glad to see, that there are still people making slow strong movies with anOne of the best movies i have seen in a long time. it takes its time to build up. and maintains a slow but strong movement. it its message it hits home for me. i am glad to see, that there are still people making slow strong movies with an actuall message and meaning. thank you… Expand

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8

JERAMCRMar 11, 2023

Great visual effects, I felt sumerge into the immensity of the universe! Nice sci-fi movie!

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8

joboxrno1Jul 3, 2022

I really enjoyed this movie, im a huge fan of Sci Fi , even if it is a little slow sometimes, or very smart.

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8

CarlElmoreNov 22, 2022

Some of the best use of color and visuals in a space movie ever. Underrated in my opinion.

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Ad Astra

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