Film Fetish: "Sunshine"

Sunshine (2007)
- directed by Danny Boyle


Some 50 years in the future, human life faces extinction as the Sun begins to die. Our only hope for survival lies in the crew of the Icarus II, a group of eight intrepid scientists from around the world whose mission is to deliver a thermonuclear payload into the heart of the Sun in hopes of reigniting its core and saving humanity. Though the situation becomes even more complicated when the crew receives a distress signal from the Icarus I, whose crew was long thought to have been lost forever, and now must decide between veering off course to save the crew and claim it's payload or stay the course and complete the misson as originally planned.

Words cannot describe how much I loved this movie. I was in complete awe. I'm finding the problem with these reviews is articulating my joy, love and excitement for these films. Of course, it's not my goal to watch shitty movies, so I better learn how to cope. ;) So here I go...

I thought this movie was great on so many levels. Technically it's an amazing film, in that it's one of the most beautifully shot movies I have ever seen. Each frame, no matter how trivial, is a work of art. It would be enough to just look at this movie and walk away with an enriching experience. But what's great is that the movie's greatness isn't limited to just the aesthetic, it carries over to the sound design as well. The score for the film compliments the visuals perfectly. Together they create this incredible mood that's hard to match. If nothing else, this movie is one of the most atmospheric and immersive experiences you'll have.

Technically the movie's solid. Which is where a lot of movies hit the wall. They have loads of style, but lack any true substance. Thankfully that's not the case with Sunshine. I felt the film exceeded most others on an artistic level. The story was simple enough to follow but allowed for room to grow. Its progression was so subtle and clever. Everything came together so perfectly to create this overwhelming sense of tension and doom. Though, it's something you only notice after having seen the film. It works so well onscreen that you don't notice anything while you're watching it. I thought that was an amazing achievement in itself.

What I was most thankful for though, was the way the science of the film was handled. Given the scope and magnitude of the story, I think they were able to hold everything together quite well. It all seemed real and believable. Very little of the film seemed impossible to the point of being laughable. Which again, given the nature of the film and the track record for other films of its kind, I thought that was an achievement in itself.

I could go into the film a bit more, but I'd risk boring you with all my kooky symbolism talk. :P Aside from that, it would be spoilerish. And while I do allow myself a space on this blog for spoilers... I don't wanna go there with a film like this. It's best experienced as a virgin. ;)

9.5/10 If you're a fan of sci fi you'll love this film. If you're a fan of the astro sciences you'll love this film. If you're a fan of suspense & thrillers you'll love this film. If you love film, you'll love this film. ;) Go watch it!!! :D

DS333, de-virginized.