I revisited Sunshine recently for the first time since seeing it at the cinema upon its release. I remember the first time round I was very excited to watch it, as the trailer sold the movie superbly for me (in part thanks to Clint Mansell's 'Lux Aeterna', never fails). But also because I always love a well made, convincing, science fiction film, as they are very rare. Sci-fi is such a difficult genre to tackle, that failure is always imminent, but when a director does get it right, it has the potential to be awe-inspiring.
On first viewing Sunshine, at about half to three quarters of way through, it had done everything completely right. It really couldn't put a foot wrong. Then out of nowhere, it did. But up until that point this was a science fiction masterpiece, only to be let down at the final hurdle. But regardless, it was still so impressive, I always had the desire to re-watch it, with a more open mind, and give it another try. On second viewing I still enjoyed it like the first time, and even more. It obviously helped to know that the film was going to hit a speed bump of sorts, going into the final act. But aside from dwelling on that, the second viewing gave me a real chance to witness the brilliance of this film again, and delve deeper into the mechanics of how it is one of the best sci-fi movies in recent times.
The special effects are very convincing and lovely to gaze upon. From the invigorating yet menacing sun, to the ship's exterior, and its impenetrable hi-tech shield. The interior of the ship ticks all the boxes for a good sci-fi, with contrasting rooms, from the hydrogen garden, to the rec room, and the out of this world payload. The cinematography introduces it all in such a special way. In some instances we are taken back to the opening of Ridley Scott's 'Alien', with slow tracking shots, letting the walls breathe, without a character's actions or dialogue to break the moment. All this sets up the atmosphere nicely, and shows the isolation of being so far out in space. Adding to this atmosphere is a great score, and an intriguing sound design. I particularly loved the sound composition used for the signal from Icarus 1. So incidental, but carrying so much meaning and consequence for the mission. It's almost like every tone, every beep of the signal, carries a whole new range of questions and considerations.
Something I also noticed on second viewing, and quickly became a redeeming feature of the third act, was a directing masterstroke. As is mentioned in the film, when reaching the surface of the sun, the gravitational pull and velocity of the ship, will subsequently mean time and space will no longer make any coherent sense. They basically will be twisted, turned, changed, so they are not even a slight representation of their former self. In the film, this is craftily depicted visually through the distortion and skewing of the picture's aspect (ie. space), and with still frames and incoherent jump cuts (ie. time). It's so rewarding as a viewer when a director makes a conscious technical decision that breaks down normal conventions, in order to creatively symbolise part of the story. It really does take a film's aesthetic qualities along with depth of meaning, to an entirely different level. I also along with this, can't help but mention the genius in reversing the playback of the 20th Century Fox insignia at the opening of the film. Not only creative, but I don't think I have ever been hooked into a film so quickly after that final trumpet note is silenced. The immersion was instant!
Over and above the special effects and technical expertise of this film, I felt the representation of a vast divide between the character's personalities, professions, agendas, and morals, was the true success of this film. It's the foundation of what makes it such an intense and enthralling experience. This conflict of interests is carefully played out, and so engaging, that you feel compelled to consider your point of view, or take the side of someone's on screen. In a film with such scope to its ideas and narrative, a clash between primal instinct and human nature becomes the centerpiece. Watching it all unfold is pure entertainment with intellect.
I would definitely recommend this film as I rate it very highly. Sure it has its flaws, or more so flaw, but it is very easy to fall into the trap of passing quick judgment. I think after a repeat viewing, one can see some merit in the third act, and see the film as a whole. This is an intense science fiction thriller that really does not let up. It's a film that should define the genre for years to come. Who knows when the next chance will come to explore the unknown outer regions of space, through such a thought provoking, and highly entertaining piece.
On first viewing Sunshine, at about half to three quarters of way through, it had done everything completely right. It really couldn't put a foot wrong. Then out of nowhere, it did. But up until that point this was a science fiction masterpiece, only to be let down at the final hurdle. But regardless, it was still so impressive, I always had the desire to re-watch it, with a more open mind, and give it another try. On second viewing I still enjoyed it like the first time, and even more. It obviously helped to know that the film was going to hit a speed bump of sorts, going into the final act. But aside from dwelling on that, the second viewing gave me a real chance to witness the brilliance of this film again, and delve deeper into the mechanics of how it is one of the best sci-fi movies in recent times.
The special effects are very convincing and lovely to gaze upon. From the invigorating yet menacing sun, to the ship's exterior, and its impenetrable hi-tech shield. The interior of the ship ticks all the boxes for a good sci-fi, with contrasting rooms, from the hydrogen garden, to the rec room, and the out of this world payload. The cinematography introduces it all in such a special way. In some instances we are taken back to the opening of Ridley Scott's 'Alien', with slow tracking shots, letting the walls breathe, without a character's actions or dialogue to break the moment. All this sets up the atmosphere nicely, and shows the isolation of being so far out in space. Adding to this atmosphere is a great score, and an intriguing sound design. I particularly loved the sound composition used for the signal from Icarus 1. So incidental, but carrying so much meaning and consequence for the mission. It's almost like every tone, every beep of the signal, carries a whole new range of questions and considerations.
Something I also noticed on second viewing, and quickly became a redeeming feature of the third act, was a directing masterstroke. As is mentioned in the film, when reaching the surface of the sun, the gravitational pull and velocity of the ship, will subsequently mean time and space will no longer make any coherent sense. They basically will be twisted, turned, changed, so they are not even a slight representation of their former self. In the film, this is craftily depicted visually through the distortion and skewing of the picture's aspect (ie. space), and with still frames and incoherent jump cuts (ie. time). It's so rewarding as a viewer when a director makes a conscious technical decision that breaks down normal conventions, in order to creatively symbolise part of the story. It really does take a film's aesthetic qualities along with depth of meaning, to an entirely different level. I also along with this, can't help but mention the genius in reversing the playback of the 20th Century Fox insignia at the opening of the film. Not only creative, but I don't think I have ever been hooked into a film so quickly after that final trumpet note is silenced. The immersion was instant!
Over and above the special effects and technical expertise of this film, I felt the representation of a vast divide between the character's personalities, professions, agendas, and morals, was the true success of this film. It's the foundation of what makes it such an intense and enthralling experience. This conflict of interests is carefully played out, and so engaging, that you feel compelled to consider your point of view, or take the side of someone's on screen. In a film with such scope to its ideas and narrative, a clash between primal instinct and human nature becomes the centerpiece. Watching it all unfold is pure entertainment with intellect.
I would definitely recommend this film as I rate it very highly. Sure it has its flaws, or more so flaw, but it is very easy to fall into the trap of passing quick judgment. I think after a repeat viewing, one can see some merit in the third act, and see the film as a whole. This is an intense science fiction thriller that really does not let up. It's a film that should define the genre for years to come. Who knows when the next chance will come to explore the unknown outer regions of space, through such a thought provoking, and highly entertaining piece.