Looking To The Stars For Answers | Ad Astra Explained | A Video Essay

[@secretworldcomics]

Love your analysis. Can't believe this one wasn't more praised by audiences. One of the most underrated films of the last decade.

[@lightandfire24]

Thanks so much! And I totally agree.

[@Cologram]

I only saw one trailer for it and I’m glad my friend and I are both into space because we saw this immediately when it came out. I loved it! 8.5/10

[@promethean2904]

For what? For being dumb? :) Even my roommate knows looking for intelligent life around Neptune is probably the stupidest idea...

[@sodarkherhair78]

I appreciate your view but apparently there is also a scientific take on this, check out "Science vs Cinema Ad Astra".

[@EJD339]

@@sodarkherhair78 I loved it. I wasn’t really looking to fact check this movie. 9/10 I don’t give a crap about that stuff. I just like the way the movie made me feel. Definitely not for everyone though. I can barely recommend this to any of my friends.

[@joaquinwaters1810]

James Gray, the director, said that one of his primary inspirations was the idea of telling the Odyssey from the point of view of Telemachus (the son of Odysseus who goes searching for his father). And in the Odyssey, who is the god keeping Odysseus from coming home? Poseidon...aka Neptune.

[@ohjaysimpson397]

Cool stuff

[@jordynhenthorn7157]

This movie is so amazing. It was so much deeper than it looked on the surface and had a much deeper, philosophical meaning. This movie deserved so much more praise.

[@GoTeam383]

I knew this was my favorite sci-fi movie in decades before seeing this video, but it's good to know not everyone hated it.

[@michaeljohnson1761]

"A man that has to leave earth in order to find his place in it." I've long said that I left the church not to leave God, but to find my place inside of God. Your video is an Amazing insight into the film. You opened up so much more texture and more dimensions for me. This film is quickly moving it's way to my very small circle of Absolute Favorite Films. Thank you.

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you so much! Leaving something to find it. It’s powerful and so so true.

[@ayindeabiola509]

Why this was great. It deserves way more views.

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thanks! I agree. Lol

[@tomasinacovell4293]

it's a "coming-out" video, like?

[@dannyboyemt]

You guys actually made me tear up in this analysis. Beautifully done.

[@cynicalburns584]

Just found this..wow! Why hasn't this hit a million views yet?!

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you! We’ll get there. I appreciate you.

[@JohnDoe-vr9bj]

Just found this channel looking for a review on Ad Astra, having just finished it. After watching just this one video, I must say, this channel is such a breath of fresh air on KZbin, particularly among the film review wheelhouse. It seems most KZbinrs take the easy route to both film criticism and gaining a following, that being taking a cynical approach and pointing out everything and anything negative about a piece of work. Extra KZbin algorithm points for appealing to anti-woke audiences and shoehorning politics into their 'reviews', especially when a film is largely a-political, or at least not particularly divisive, until 'reviewed' a typical KZbin dullard. Anyone can point out flaws and be a cynic. It becomes very easy to do as one ages. The body suffers more pain, as does the mind, plus we generally develop a stronger sense of 'seen it all before' mentality, and find ourselves jaded and feeling as though the best days are behind us. Therefore, feeling unimpressed by anything, and not even disappointed, as our expectations are set so low in general. Perhaps I'm only describing my personal experience, and none of the above is generalisable. However, I don't think so, as the majority of full time KZbin film reviewers seems to be catered towards this type of demographic. Or maybe, they are creating such a demographic. I won't bother naming any of these 'reviewers', as there are too many, I don't deliberately watch them, I don't want them to gain more views or have the algorithm sense from my comment that I want them suggested to me, and I think we can all think of more examples of what I'm talking about than we would like. It actually takes effort to love something and and appreciate all the reasons that make you feel that way. Well, at least in my experience as I've aged enough to start to feel physically and mentally over the hill, yet am so far from the apex that I can't see the top of it, nor do I know what is there or why I'm even trying to get there. All I know is that it's getting harder to climb each day, and I'll never see the top in my life, no matter how hard I try to do so. Anyway, I'm starting to drag the comment section down with the sort of negative attitude that initially stated that I resent. It's almost inescapable. Especially on KZbin movie reviews. Hence why those reviewers get rewarded with vies and likes etc. for putting in very little effort, compared to channels such as this, that help jaded people such as myself, or those that aren't well versed in the language of cinema, again, such as myself, to put in a little work to overcome these barriers to enjoying the art of film, and ultimately, the struggles of life. Great video, and channel. Thanks for putting in the effort to explain what you found great about this really good film. I look forward to seeing more of your reviews and film related content in the future.

[@thepeeps8248]

Interpreted everything I couldn't entirely explain in words. Fine analysis of a very deep film.

[@shrutikumarrr]

Best analysis I’ve found on the internet. Your content is so awesome

[@WhyItsGreat]

Wow! Thank you for such high praise. I appreciate it, truly.

[@Cologram]

Incredible analysis, Dan! You made me appreciate this film much more than I already did and just made a great video in general.

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thanks so much!

[@Day5Aquatics]

Ad Astra was really good, maybe not great. I think the biggest detriment to the movie was the trailers and advertising. It set up the viewer for something entirely different than what the movie actually was. It was basically Apocalypse Now in space. It's impossible not to make that comparison. Just like Apocalypse Now you are set up in the beginning thinking the movie was about the mission, but in turn it becomes about the man and his personal journey while on the mission. Good movie. A little slow but not necessarily in a bad way.

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I get what you're saying. Marketing has often messed up my expectations for films and I hate it. That's why I mostly avoid trailers at this point.

[@dkazmer2]

Marketing has absolutely nothing to do with how great a film is or isn't.

[@ripmurdock6975]

@@dkazmer2 It doesn't and it shouldn't, but in this case I think it has affected the broader perception of the film. Instead of being a thought of as highly-regarded, thought-provoking sci fi film by a smaller group of cinema fans, it's thought of a slightly meh, "boring" sci film that didn't deliver to a broader more mainstream audience. I'm in the former camp, the marketing played a part in forming the latter group imo.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

I feel like Ad Astra uses the Apocalypse Now plot and the 2001: A Space Odyssey aesthetic to tell a story that is most closest to The Tree of Life. On another note, Apocalypse Now might be a bit removed from the actual influence to Ad Astra, the novel that Apocalypse Now is based on: Heart of Darkness. Instead of the Vietnam war setting, it takes place in 19th century colonial times - and that colonial aspect, the spread of exploitation, commodification, outposts from and for a capitalistic empire at the center reaching out to new worlds, is what also makes Ad Astra's world a good backdrop for characters who try to escape problems close to them by reaching for something bigger - but just take these problems with them and make them bigger in turn.

[@mdwesquire]

I just discovered this channel with this video. You’ve earned another subscriber.

[@macsen2290]

im studying media studies for A level atm, love the vid

[@LuisGonzalez-xs1tt]

Beautiful. Thanks for this. I knew I loved the movie but I did not understood exactly why. Now, I know why. Thanks again

[@wannabehendrix]

One thing that can be asked. Are we as humans, meant to be away from earth? The moment he finds out how and why his father killed the crew is horrifying!

[@zzyzzy5466]

moving internal odessy..... good description

[@wesselwijtvliet418]

This is actually a very good review of the movie. The authors managed to break down the entire movie in deceptively simple terms. That’s so much more difficult than doing so in pedantic ones. Kudos. I am watching this channel more often.

[@musangema3046]

Well done gentlemen, and thank you.

[@Girthon1]

A wonderful wonderful video. Thank you.

[@AL-SH]

This was truly beautiful and deeply touching. I subbed. Thank you

[@damienconlisk8725]

This was better than the film which no matter which way you spin it,,, it was some piece of crap,,, but I enjoyed the end cause it was the end,,,, o and thank goodness for the fast forward button

[@mastaaceexclusive]

Really like how clear and concise the meat of this video is. And the specific moments

[@PYTwwe]

Wow. This is an impressive review!!! So many details I missed.

[@lightandfire24]

Thanks!

[@Elayzee]

I’m just thankful for a big budget space movie that stands firm on the idea that we ARE alone in the universe. And that it’s NOT something to fear or be depressed about.

[@lexio9913]

Love this analysis, very informative over things I didn’t catch when I watch the film.

[@obsidian00]

Fantastic essay...Fantastic movie.

[@evanpcgamer]

Great video!

[@jeff1176]

This is how you explain a movie. Top notch guys. Absolutely well done. The movie was well done as well I thought. Bravo all around.

[@41663]

Thank you for the explanation . I came to the same conclusion at the end but had to make sure I was on the right path. Found your video and made sure of it . Thank you Well done 😊 And looking for something we can never conclusively find will make us miss what's happening around us. Sir that is one of the most enlightening and intelligent things I've ever heard

[@Crossodian]

My favorite film of all time.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Can you recommend others like it? I can think of The Tree of Life, which is not sci-fi at all and has other cinematic techniques, but its theme is similar and it also uses memories and thoughts delivered by an off-screen voice.

[@Crossodian]

@@elevenseven-yq4vu Blade runner 2049 and the First Man. I love the first man with Ryan Gosling. The story is very similar to Ad astra, lonely man trying to find purpose in his life after his daughter died. It's also in space, it's about Armstrong the man who landed on the moon. It has beautiful cinematography and actors. THE FIRST MAN

[@Crossodian]

@@elevenseven-yq4vu I would also recommend “ the assassination of Jesse james”, it's played by Brad Pitt. It's almost similar to Ad astra because Jesse is a broken man who is ashamed of himself. The difference is he a bad man who has done awful things .

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

@@Crossodian Thanks! Will check out trailer and a couple reviews of The First Man. 💙 (Blade Runner 2049 I do like.)

[@Crossodian]

@@elevenseven-yq4vu I would also recommend “From Hell” great film. It's about a broken man finding Jack the Reaper. Also Constantine is good. Hope you enjoy the films.

[@jeffsmith3925]

The bright “speck of light” Roy sees toward the end is the Sun not Earth. The Sun looks like a bright star from that distance. I’m not even sure Earth would be visible to the naked eye from that far.

[@snaphaan5049]

Fantastic Analysis!! Loved it! Although I do have a slightly different interpretation of the end. I'll make a quick comparison to interstellar to try and make it clearer... Interstellar was at times pretty spectacular. But it was a jab at people who believe in a higher power. Right in the beginning it takes a jab at the biblical reference of Eden: We are not caretakers (like Adam in the garden) but pioneers (Nimrod the hunter - builder of cities and carver of his own destiny). That pioneering spirit is kind of what drives cooper into actually becoming a "god" or supernatural being himself (in a sci-fi kinda way) - the poltergeist thing. It's deep, but for me, for all the wrong reasons - and I like the movie because of that. It helped me figure out my place in the world. I don't want to be cooper or be part of that world view. Ad Astra helped me in another way. It kind of helped me get back to living now. Like the biblical reference of not worrying about tomorrow but living for the day. The people you love and the things I can value today. My personal search for meaning has had a bitter and almost nihilistic end because I can find no meaning in the world. Everything I did, all the good and bad in my life has no meaning because death is waiting. I have reached as far as I can in my abilities for answers and it has left me desolate and alone. I've suffered depression because of that for years. Ad astra in a weird sci-fi can make you wonder if you didn't miss something. It's like those people in the parable of Matthew that after dedicating their lives to the bettering of their fellow man was told in the end by God "'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Forgiveness isn't just something you receive - but something you are supposed to give as well. It didn't seem like a jab at a higher power nor some preachy finger pointing. But one thing I admired about Roy was he had a purpose and he went with it. But he was no savior, no hero in the normal sense of the word. He was a man who went to ends of the world and came back defeated but with new purpose. Classic. And I don't care what people say - I love moon pirates.

[@lightandfire24]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And yes, Moon Pirates rule!

Loved to read it

[@jlopezaa6372]

Movie is one of the most underrated movies, super deep meaning

[@johnedward8352]

Just watched Ad Astra and your vid came up..well done, this is awesome. Subscribed!

Good work!

[@frankvee]

This is a phenomenal film. I have to admit, I didn't like it much after first viewing. I think expectations and marketing got the best of me, and I was expecting something different than what was delivered. But after some time I watched it again, knowing it wasn't an action film as it was marketed, and my opinion of Ad Astra made a 180 degree turn.

[@WhyItsGreat]

So many of my favorite films were a tad underwhelming when I first watched them. But they stayed in my brain, and their value emerged from dialoging with the cinematic language and themes in my head. Letting a film sit with you is essential IMO

[@Offical_LucyandElla2014]

Bravoooo so profound

[@heidimoon8114]

This was one of the most entertaining and complete film analysis videos I've ever watched. Urinalysis was even better than a great movie that is Ad Astra. Thank you for a great video I'll be sharing it you deserve way more views!

[@MsSwitchblade13]

"Urinalysis" sorry i know it's a typo but it made me 🤭 giggle

[@JohnDoe-vr9bj]

lol, I I keep failing my urinalysis test. I don't think I'll ever graduate from that class.

[@nimrodgrrrl]

Wow! Why isn’t this channel getting more views and subs? Awesome analysis!

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you! That means a lot.

[@EvanEvansE3]

You have to let go of the pursuit and embrace the gifts of life around you. Live. Love. Die. Don't take for granted everything you have. There is nothing better. Mankind's constant pursuit for something greater ultimately leads one to miss out on life and living. To breath. To enjoy. To love. To create. These are the gifts of life we have in abundance on this planet and this planet like no other.

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

WHY IS THIS VIDEO ONLY HAVE 8K VIEWS???!!!

[@harryhipperson1280]

Great video. The tiny spec of light isn’t Earth though it’s the sun

[@chickennugget6985]

Loved the review.... subscribing 👍

[@BrakeTradition]

Haven’t seen this movie yet, and I think y’all have done a beautiful analysis of it without spoiling it for me

[@ntl2313]

What a video! Idk how you don't have more subs

[@corneliaxx]

this video is a masterpiece

[@PeterKudelin]

this is REALLY good! I'm a film student, and I missed a lot of these (esp. color)

[@HILAL19564]

This scifi is definite underrated and beautifully made, acted etc.. Only thing I don't get is how in God's name Pitt's father created power surges that could endanger earth all the way from neptune with his ship..can you answer that cause that's the only thing I didn't understand and seemed very far fetched.. Rest this movie is great. The voyage of Pitt going through all these dangers to get to neptune is thrilling and the way its made is jaw dropping. Plus Pitt played this role perfectly. Underrated but still these surges were a bit unrealistic or I didn't get it entirely

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

I guess these power waves are mostly there for symbolism. He is the center of his son's journey. And his emotional coldness turned his son to emotional coldness. It's like the image of ripples on water caused by a stone dropped into it: They hit the shore with delay. It took the son time to become like his father, time that the father spend away from him. The emotional shockwaves hit the son later, much like the power surges hit Earth much later than the father left. And even away from earth, the father was still the son's emotional center. He could suppress this conscious thought on earth, but his father was still his emotional center and thus kept other people (such as his wive) out of the son's focus. If you take types like the father (hyperfocussed and emotionally cold explorers) as a stand-in for humanity's attitude towards the world at large, the metaphor reads: Humans can travel to the edge of the universe as hard as they try to save Earth's problems; but they will take the center of their problems with them; and with an attitude like this, which is a problem in itself, the ripples/repercussions of their attitudes toward the world will travel all the way back to Earth and can harm it like tidal waves. It's a cautionary tale: The solution to humanity's problems is at the heart of humanity, not somewhere outside of itself.

[@damdaley8092]

Amazing video

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Great analysis and interpretation!

[@siyabongakunene5052]

Damn, this analysis is deeply profound and gave me a meaningful insight not only into the movie but my life as well.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Excellent analysis ... now subscribed

[@lightandfire24]

Thanks!

[@ColeMayes]

Thank you two for giving us this video. You showed beautifully exactly what is so important, not only about this movie, but what the human race can do to save all life on our only known home.

[@rahilameer1094]

Best review

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you!

[@loominka7194]

you guys deserve more views. i'm inspired by this analysis and want to make one movie explanation channel like this too

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

How is your idea / project coming along?

[@davor432]

beautiful

[@scottryder6437]

Theory: What if we, humanity, are actually the first intelligent species in the universe? That in millions or billions of years we are the ones reaching out to future intelligent species? We would be like the mysterious higher beings in 2001 Space Odyssey and Contact.

[@WhyItsGreat]

I’ve had this thought before. Love it.

[@imconsequetau5275]

It is conceivable that we are the first in this Galaxy. Impossible that we are the first in this Universe. Just using the Hubble telescope we know there hundreds of billions of visible nearby galaxies, and we haven't even looked further away through the James Webb telescope.

[@yokumato]

Great movie, thanks for the analysis, I think is spot on. I could notice how there like 2 scenes where prayer is present and thought why such rational and focused people would need to pray at all. Also the father mentions God several times, talking about his presence, mission, etc. The nods to 2001 are present here and there, overall I think is a great movie but certainly not for people that are expecting action and explosions. The scene with monkeys was shocking!

[@jennisjohnvarghese1670]

This is absolutely beautiful

[@kouzelna3295]

Absolutely awesome review. Thank you for helping me to more greatly appreciate such a wonderful and touching movie.

[@JohnLee-ss7mv]

Please keep up the great work and growth. The viewership will explode soon 👍🏻

[@WhyItsGreat]

Thank you! That’s the plan.🤞🏻

[@mirandanix7684]

This story needs more than one viewing..sobriety requires introversion perspective.as self worth..reconfirmed to even one person..as still valued more than time or distance.seperations.

[@PerfectoKiss]

Absolutely love this movie. People complain that there were little action sequences, which I find totally incorrect. There are 3-4 action sequences. There are some questionable sequences about how he gets back but I give it a pass.

[@ajcsojourner1234]

good video!

[@errollaaron8732]

Liked the movie but not sure how the father came to the conclusion there is no life in the universe. He only traveled to the planet Neptune how can he conclude such a terrible analysis?

[@dkazmer2]

And how did _you_ conclude that? Cliff was simply disappointed in that he failed in his mission to find ETL. That's it.

[@CrisisHipHop]

They explained in the movie, they travel to Neptune to escape the effects of the sun's electromagnetic interference, now that they aren't inhibited by that, using the instruments in the lima project they can observe far off planets and galaxies in a way they couldn't before. They in a sense could see the "knowable" universe from that "vantage point" at Neptune and in each planet the team discovered no life anywhere they pointed their instruments, so much so they wanted to go back seeing that the whole search was fruitless, which then prompted them to want to go home which then prompted the mutiny and war between the captain and crew.

[@errollaaron8732]

@@CrisisHipHop But, even then their observation would be from their point of observation which would be essentially as if you're dropping a drop into an ocean. Even with their instruments to detect life on other planets his conclusion was incorrect.

[@imconsequetau5275]

@@errollaaron8732 Right. It is like searching for "life" by dipping a cup in an alien ocean, and then giving up.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

​@@CrisisHipHopSo this means that Cliff was like Captain Ahab in Moby Dick: Refusing to give up the whale hunt at the expense of the entire crew and ship.

[@EJD339]

I think the score is what just had me sucked in the whole movie. I just felt a connection to this movie for whatever reason and I’m thankful for that. One of my favorite sci-fi movies of the last 5 years but definitely not for everyone.

[@SteveNaranjo]

Max Richter

[@DaniloFSilva-gf2kt]

these two might love this movie way too much 😅😅👏👏

[@krissifadwa]

Ad Astra and 2049 Blade Runner ✨

[@abaranihei2608]

my favorite Brad Pitt movie

[@mr-nobody-kun]

F Man I loved the 1st 1min 😅 This explanation is all I need 🖤

[@Octansishere]

damn, just realised you also did the focus blur thing at the start and the end of the video just like in ad astra

[@jalaldalloul8172]

Excellent video! Would you guys consider doing a video (or ten) about The Expanse? Possibly one of the best sci-fi properties on TV right now

[@WhyItsGreat]

I haven't seen it. I'll have to give it a shot. It's based on a book series right?

[@jalaldalloul8172]

@@WhyItsGreat It is! By James S.A. Corey, pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. The show is on Amazon Prime Video. Thanks for responding! Love your channel to death

[@WhyItsGreat]

Awesome. Would you recommend starting with the books or just diving into the show? And thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me.

[@jalaldalloul8172]

@@WhyItsGreat I would say that both properties are excellent and it really just depends on how you would want to experience the story first. There are 8 books out with the 9th and last book due later this year, and the show is currently adaptating book 5. The books are a good deal ahead of the show and will end before the next season premieres (presumably Dec 2021 or early 2022). I personally started with the show and found myself still capable of adoring the first few books despite knowing what would happen. The overall narrative thread is identical between the two, but given the change in medium the show tells that story in a fairly different way such that both will remain fresh in my experience.

[@mandariv]

Excellent writing guys! Great editing too. Be very much interested in hearing your opinions on The house that Jack built, from Lars von Trier. Simultaneously beautiful and repellent.

[@lightandfire24]

Haven't seen it yet! Looking forward to checking it out

[@bjrnhagen4484]

Nice breakdown. However, I did not like this movie - a supposedly slow movie that felt rushed. No tension, no buildups, I couldn't care less about the protagonist. When he reaches Neptune, I felt no journey, no deep space, and when he effortlessly finds his father, there's no tension between them - then he goes home. The end.

[@RumbleFish69]

Maybe I need to see this film again. I didn't think it was bad, but I didn't think it was particularly good either. I felt this film built up to a payoff that just never really pays off. I am in favor of conveying a powerful message at the end of a film, as this film did, but only if that message is as cinematically powerful as a twist or shocking revelation. I just don't believe that was the case in this film. But, like I said, maybe I need to go back and watch it again. This was a pretty good review of this film and it has definitely made me want to give this film a second look.

[@lightandfire24]

Thanks for the kind words about our video! Films hit everyone in different ways. The themes resonated with me on a personal level, but totally understand how this film could leave someone wanting more.

[@RumbleFish69]

@@lightandfire24 It's ironic that I see a response from you today when I just revisited this film last night! I can tell you that my takeaway this time out was far different than my first viewing of this film. I had a greater appreciation for this film and absorbed things much differently this time around. I can also say that watching your review helped me to better navigate the things that I missed the first time I watched this film. Mostly, I think that the first time I saw this film I went in expecting things that film never intended delivering, which is ok as long as I know what I am getting into. I believe this film was marketed in a way that was not beneficial to the filmmaker or audience. The audience is put on a path that never materializes, which only serves to disappoint. I believe that most people went into this film thinking that it would be pure Sci-fi thriller on the same level as "Aliens". So, when we don't get that, it leaves the viewers with such a tremendous sense of disappointment, that you're not even thinking about whether what you just saw was good or not. I also have a greater appreciation for the end of the film this time around. The ending has far greater significance and there is a certain, calming satisfaction in knowing that we are alone. Thanks again for your review....I don't think I would have given this film a second look had you not reviewed it. I already gave you a thumbs up, but after this pay-off, it's worth a sub! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@lightandfire24]

I'm glad our video helped! Rewatches our an essential for me. It's hard to really know how you feel after one watch. And the confusing marketing is a big reason why we decided to make this analysis. Thanks again for engaging with our video!

[@RumbleFish69]

@@lightandfire24 Thanks again, my friend!!

[@dkazmer2]

You've been conditioned to expect sensationalism. Let that go.

[@greglott4977]

It’s unfortunate that Ad Astra only works as a metaphor. It’s SO close to being a great, science accurate movie. Scenes in the vacuum are silent, which is great since sound cannot travel without medium. When Pitt returns, he can barely stand, which is accurate. His muscles wouldve atrophied due to months in zero G. But then, at the very center of everything is the stupid Surge plot. Apparently, Dad is in space sending Surges that has disastrous impact on Earth... some 3 billion miles away. For that kind of energy to impact earth, it would’ve basically created a black hole at Neptune. If the energy at origin is H, the energy expressed at Earth would be H/4*Pi*R*R where R is 3 billion miles. It’s just SO lazy! They could’ve conjured any number of realistic reasons for Pitt to travel to find his father on Neptune, but they chose this one. I think the movie is ok, but it fails as Sci-Fi.

[@greglott4977]

I just remembered two other things that REALLY bothered me. 1. Dad is searching for ET from Neptune. Why? We’re talking about planets 100’s of light years away, Neptune doesn’t really give you a greater view point than say, the moon. 2. Pitt had to go to Mars to send a laser email to Dad. Why? Lasers work from the moon too. Btw, sometimes the Earth is closer to Neptune than Mars is. Maybe Earth and Neptune are ‘East’ of the sun and Mars is on the other side of the sun. Earth would be closer. Regardless, laser communication could work just as well from here as they would from Mars. No need to make that crazy ass trip just to send an email.

[@bobo2422]

Can you explain abyssosque?

[@onlockmobileskateshop113]

Ive watched it 3 times now and still don't understand the story. Help

[@Brandon-yg7mw]

Freakin loved this movie

[@elithegreat6463]

Yeah, but who were the Moon Pirates ???,, WTF was that all about, and how fast were the ships in this movie ??, A Trip back and for to Neptune is no walk to the park ??

[@viswanthgudiwada3591]

NICE MANN..

[@niluferplum]

Your analysis is really well put together, and you highlighted some interesting elements. I have to say though, I enjoyed your video more than the film. Whilst a lot of thought and care seems to have gone into Ad Astra, I found the result unengaging. Concept alone (even a good one) is no substitute for great storytelling.

[@craigaggio5960]

This movie is a remake of "Apocalypse Now" ,just set in space.

[@adamkallin5160]

I like the idea of the flares being suppressed emotions that will fuck everything up unless you deal with them. Though, it didn't quite come through in the movie as Roy's sole focus was on his father and mission rather than something he tried to suppress. Interesting about the focus and color though I don't think those aspects really registered with me even subconsciously. Tommy Lee Jones gave a short but fantastic performance. I do think some scenes could have been trimmed to give the movie a better pacing.

[@spacewitchvulcan]

I see they finally made "The Alchemist"

[@dcw0110us]

You can run but you can’t hide

[@jakubswitaa3493]

9:45 that's not Earth, it's a Sun😂😂😂

[@RoadWarrior-lo9vt]

I've watched many film breakdown KZbin channels in the last few years. I must say, your's are without a doubt the most enjoyable to watch. Myself, being a person who truly appreciates the underlying message or messages in a film. I appreciate your obvious passion for the entire film process and it's deeper meanings. If that makes sense. I'm having alittle trouble getting my thoughts out today. ✌🥴 P.s. Is it just me?.. I get a Stanley Kubrick vibe from this film.

[@B4umkuchen]

I can agree with your analysis of the truly magnificent cinematography of this film. But your argument for why this films story themes are great lacks the recognition that the whole plot of this wannabe Hard Sci-Fi movie is an insult to true science and astronauts. For example of the whole antimatter wave plot device screams of lazy writing, guess they couldn't come up with a more compelling reason for Brad Pit's journey to the Lima Project. And then the arbitrary killings after Brad Pit arrives on Mars. The mass "suicide" scene on the starting rocket was just beyond stupid and to top it all of they reveal that Brad Pits father, a passionated and devoted astronaut and scientist, KILLED HIS WHOLE CREW because they wanted to return home? That's not how astronaut think and operate Hollywood!

[@lightandfire24]

The gripes you mention would certainly be worth pointing out if the events of Ad Astra *actually* happened. Stories are powered by conflict, motive, desire, growth, and change; they explore the depths of humanity. Events and moments within a story exist, not to be logical in and of themselves, but rather, to push a character (or characters) forward towards change or catharsis. They are dialectic--constructed to glance a human truth through contradiction and resolution. If a writer were to lead a character through a story by means of pure logic, then every potential for conflict (which is a potential for character growth) would be instantly resolved. There is no story without conflict; and there can be no conflict if every character decision is motivated by achieving the most logical outcome. What an author does instead is to give a character's decisions emotional and psychological logic. After all, the drama in our own lives comes not from logic, but from emotion. Movies such as this aren't trying to answer the question of "how should an astronaut 'think and operate?'" An exploration of that question would be a lecture, not a story. Is it logical for Tommy Lee Jones' character to kill his entire crew? No it is not. Was it logical for Romeo and Juliet to pursue a relationship? Is it logical for Batman to dress as a vigilante instead of eradicating crime through other means? This film is exploring themes of isolation--men disconnected from their emotions and loved ones. So, in that sense, Tommy Lee Jones' character killing his crew does make a lot of *story sense* (Also, I'd argue it makes psychological sense in terms of his established motivations and context...but I've written too much already). To say this film is an insult to true science is to assume the movie's goal was to portray true science. It's obviously not. So of course you will find problems if you insist on analyzing the movie, or any movie, through that lens. Ad Astra is not perfect, but it's flaws stem from story problems, not "logic" problems. Thanks for attending my TED Talk.

[@B4umkuchen]

@@lightandfire24 I agree with your notion that the narrative structure of a story should be driven forward by conflict and not by pure logic. As someone who studies informatics atm, I know all to well how boring pure logic can be in a story. But your proclamation that the resolution for the conflict of a story shouldn't be archived through logical means is in my opinion the a wrong point to have, especially if you strive to tell a GOOD story where your characters act in a believable way according to the character they are suppose to be in the over arching narrative structure of the story you are trying to tell. In that regard, Brad Pit and his ,in the story, legendary father are suppose to be cold, logic driven astronauts who are suppose to operate like astronauts but this facade kinda breaks down after the half point of the story when Brad Pit crawls into a starting rocket only to provoke the crew of said rocket to commit unbelievable, arbitrary and stupid mass suicide in a scene that's just mind-boggling. Which marks the beginning of the lazy writing of the whole plot. The whole later half of Ad Astra is riddled with this illogical lazy writing that tries to solve certain plot elements through arbitrary and over dramatic scenes. Therein lies my whole diastase for this movie. I really enjoyed the first part, but the later half tires to take me for a fool with really lazy, illogical behavior and story resolutions for it characters. Btw. to answer your questions you asked: "Was it logical for Romeo and Juliet to pursue a relationship?" Yes it was in the overall narrative of the story. Their relationship was the whole conflict point for the story itself. So yes they had to pursue a relationship otherwise we wouldn't have a story about them. Is it logical for Batman to dress as a vigilante instead of eradicating crime through other means? Considering Batman's past and the trauma he suffers from, yes absolutely. Some would argue that Bruce Wayne is Batman's costume and not the other way around. In that regard Batman is driven by a very strong logic and sense for vengeance against everything that threatens his city.

[@snaphaan5049]

What are you talking about?! Are you saying that mythology is some of the most lazy writing ever written?

[@lightandfire24]

@@B4umkuchen How you analyzed Romeo and Juliet is how I would analyze the "logic" of Tommy Lee Jones killing his crew. The core conflict of the movie is about two emotionally distant men, father and son, coming together again. One man (Pitt/Roy) grows through this conflict, and one does not (Jones). Jones killing his crew makes "sense" from an emotional/character perspective. This is a guy who cares so little for his family--someone who has become OBSESSED with finding answers outside of his fellow man-- that of course he wouldn't readily head back to earth with no answers. Of course he would do everything possible to stay far away. On a thematic level, Roy seeing his father live in a literal and metaphorical tomb is a great foreshadowing of what his own life could become if he continues to push people away. This exists in the story clearly for thematic and character development. For me, a lot of the plot circles back to the themes of isolation. Enjoy the conversation though! (Any typos would be a result of typing on my phone on my lunch break)

[@lightandfire24]

@@B4umkuchen Acknowledging that choices can make logical sense subjective to a characters motivations, desires, and background for the purposes of conflcit in a story (i.e. Romeo/Juliette and Batman), I don't see how you perceive TLJ's decision any different. As for the spaceship crew shooting at Roy, I could see how the scene could be irritating. It almost feels contrived--forced conflict for the purposes of having 1 more action scene. Then again, they established in earlier scenes that the captain of the ship was unstable, so when unstable people are surprised and threatened, this is what happens. A case could be made that this further highlights the themes of isolation and lack communication (what happens when no leans on each other), but it wouldn't be very strong. The scene doesn't unravel the film for me.

[@gothxm]

Parphrased : It's Apocalypse Now in Space lol -Tarantino

[@viarnay]

wrong, it is In the heart of the darkness instead :- 1

[@gibbsm]

I bugs me that Roy doesn't have his astronaut wings on his dress uniform, but does on his utility uniform.

[@darthkek1953]

It's great because it's Pinocchio in Space.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Please explain how it is Pinocchio.

[@mirandanix7684]

A fool is still a fool for leaving in the first place..let's play..love.

[@Mocha69A]

I loved that movie... That being said everything deep thoughtful science fiction movie I've loved seems to get underappreciated, they all seem to become cult classics after some time though

[@TonyJames.]

is an awsome movie

[@viarnay]

Your review should be included on every Ad-Astra blue-ray but, Where is the spoiler alert warning for God's sake?

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

9:40 I think that's the sun

[@clutch2827]

Some of the science took me right out of the movie.