In the continuing installments of Scene Selection, I've begun to notice that my reviews this summer relate to each other very well. I have looked at con films, period pieces and new releases, each one tying together into one of the seven degrees of Scene Selection. This week I've dug up a recent film that doesn't fit into any of these categories. Last year the best picture and best director Academy Awards went to Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire." I recommend this film because it won the Oscar, but I'm going flashback to the film Mr. Boyle did right before "Slumdog." I present to you the 2007 sci-fi feature "Sunshine"
Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans star in this film that follows the crew of an astronaut's mission to reignite a dying sun in the near future. That's the simple synopsis, but the film also deals with decision making when Murphy's Law comes into full effect. After a previous mission has failed, a group of scientists, physicist, astronauts and a psychiatrist embark on the last attempt to use a giant nuke to create a new sun. Tensions arise often throughout the voyage, and Murphy and Evans face off more than one time. The film has a genre twist in the second half that brings on an interesting antagonist.
"Sunshine" shines among many sci-fi films because it feels fresh compared to what the Sci-Fi channel on television produces. This summer people went out and saw the amazing re-boot of "Star Trek" but "Sunshine" precedes "Star Trek" by two years, and it may be a great influence into enabling "Star Trek" to be made. The story is completely ludicrous and unlikely, but from a genre that brings aliens to earth, black holes engulfing space and sound in space, it isn't out of the ordinary.
Murphy plays the main character, the ships physicist, in charge of detonating or monitoring the giant nuclear bomb strapped to the ship. He seems to always be in the middle of a fight, or trying to keep the ship calm. His icy blue eyes express a sincerity that great actors exhibit. Most people probably recognize him as the baddie from "Batman Begins" and maybe the antagonist in "Red Eye," but both "Sunshine" and "28 Days Later" showcase Murphy as one outstanding leading man.
The look of "Sunshine" is not revolutionary, with spaceship shots intercut into other scenes, but it is still impressive. Boyle has a style that runs throughout his pictures, giving impressive expansive shots a second to linger, while pushing a camera as close to an actor's eye as possible. These shots allow for space to be vast, yet very isolating to an individual. He also puts cameras inside space suits. Usually the camera simply looks through the visor of the helmet, but now it is inside; quite logical. The other thing Boyle does with the camera is to skew the angle of the horizon, canting it when tension arises, and he does it often. The computer graphics look incredibly realistic, while the sets look like a real working space ship.
This film addresses one issue that is quite relevant in middle America: science vs. religion. It is obviously one sided in the film, but the argument is there. The antagonist argues that no man should play God, even if it brings about the extinction of humanity. The crew obviously supports science and a militaristic mission objective. You'll have to see the ultimate portrayal of this face-off for yourself, because it is graphic.
If this doesn't peak your interest look up my past articles and check out one of those. On the other hand, you could e-mail me and ask for a suggestion. Pick out a film that you have been meaning to watch, or finally visit the cinema because there are a few good ones out right now. The new "Harry Potter" is the most gorgeous looking film in the series and it is entertaining. The characters are brought alive the best so far as well. There is a sci-fi film called "Moon" that is running in art houses that is pretty good if your in a space mood. Whatever you decide, pick something you will enjoy. Until the next adventure into the film world, get busy livin' or get busy dyin'.
Alex Kartmen is a junior telecommunications major and writes 'Scene Selection' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Alex at ajkartman@bsu.edu
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