Interstellar has easily become my favorite film of 2014. Like Gravity from last year, it seems like a
sci-fi film out to dazzle, but the theme of the movie is something deeper. Gravity did this by showing Dr. Ryan's spiritual rebirth over the course of events. I've now seen Interstellar twice and the theme that resonates and won't leave me alone is fatherhood.
First off, this is the latest from director/writer Christopher Nolan, known for the Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception and Memento. Some have accused his film-making of being cold; and that's probably fair criticism, until this latest entry. Many note that Nolan can't seem to make a movie without Michael Caine, who is a father/sage figure across the years as Alfred to Batman, Cutter to the feuding magicians, Miles to the dreaming Cobb. Interstellar is Nolan's masterpiece on this recurring theme of father figures but this time its not Caine that does the teaching. Matthew McConaughey gets the role and nails it.
To appreciate what I'm getting at, we first have to look at how Cooper's masculinity is portrayed. You can't be an effective father if you don't have a grip on who you are. Cooper is described as a man born 40 years too early or late, an explorer, a pioneer. "We used to look up at the sky and wonder at our place in the stars, now we just look down and worry about our place in the dirt." This is a guy who is Wild at Heart (which I shamelessly plug a book all men should read). He embodies many ennobling masculine qualities such as the spirit of adventure, humor, thirst for knowledge, teacher, protector and provider. All of these qualities are ways for fathers to express their love. Cooper is seen doing all of these things in the film and loves his children deeply, enough to leave them in hopes of saving them.
Another key takeaway for me on Cooper is his vulnerability. He has some classic macho mannerisms, but he opens up to people around him and his kids and puts his heart out there. Some of the most powerful moments in this film are watching him tear up and break down as he watches his children from near and afar. My mother-in-law recently recommended a book to me by Brene Brown on the
power of vulnerability that embodies this message:
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change." In this film, Cooper's willingness to put his own comfort and his family at risk for a higher reason give him the power to make some innovative and creative changes that will impact not only his children but the whole human family. As Dr. Mann tells Cooper (roughly) -- your survival instinct will give you that extra drive as you are dying and you see your children. It will give you the power to fight on -- and yes, it made a world of difference in the outcome of this film.
Some quotes / moments I loved that build the father theme:
"When you become a parent, one thing becomes really clear. And that's that you want to make sure your children feel safe."
"We've always defined ourselves by the ability to overcome the impossible. And we count these moments. These moments when we dare to aim higher, to break barriers, to reach for the stars, to make the unknown known. We count these moments as our proudest achievements. But we lost all that. Or perhaps we've just forgotten that we are still pioneers."
"Once you're a parent, you're the ghost of your children's future."
"Love is the one thing that transcends time and space."
"[because] “my dad made me a promise.”
An important note is that Cooper does everything in this movie as a widower and for his children. However at the end, there is an interesting message: There is life beyond your children. Your own adventure. And man (and women) should not be alone, but share that adventure together. A wonderful note the film ends on.
A few final thoughts about the film itself. In my mind, this movie seeks not only to entertain but endure as a work of art. All great movies transcend entertainment and evoke emotions by combining our senses of sight and sound a unique way. This film has flat out awe inspiring and haunting special effects enhanced by a brilliant score featuring the organ, reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. I'm sure there are plot holes and items that might drive someone nuts about this move. Its also too long around 3 hours and I failed the iron test of bladder strength the second time around. Despite some failings, this movie captures the mystery of the unknown and taps our innate desire to explore and become more than what we are. Most movies are just plain crass marketing efforts, but once in a while, we get a gem and this film is one I will enjoy for years to come.
