The Martian Film Analysis

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In 2011, author Andy Weir self-published his debut novel, The Martian. Little did Weir know that his self-published debut novel science fiction novel would become well received by readers. The success of the novel lead to a film adaptation of the book directed by Ridley Scott, which was released in 2015. While the book and film adaptation hold many similarities, a few major differences arise. For example, major changes occur in the beginning scene and epilogue. The book makes more known the ethical decisions and challenges faced with the unprecedented space event. Whereas, the film adaptation removes the science and mathematical calculations, which account for the success of the space mission. The differences lead to changes in character’s attitudes and personal …show more content…

The film adaptation begins with the Ares 3 astronauts on Mars just as an unforeseen sandstorm begins. Watney believes that the crew should wait the storm out, but Commander Lewis disagrees and decides that the crew should leave Mars immediately. When crossing between the MAV and the Hab, a radio antenna strikes Watney, which leads to Ares 3 astronauts to presume Watney death. The music and the emphasis on Watney’s empty seat in the Mars takeoff further illustrate the unavoidable consequences that occurred. This real-time account of the unfortunate events clearly establishes the limited options that the Ares 3 faced. The choice to leave Watney on Mars seems to be the most logical and most favorable outcome for the scenario. While the novel does establish this crucial information of the sequence of the events, the novel reveals this information much later in the plot. Watney has a detailed flashback of the events leading to his abandonment on Mars on Sol 98 (Weir 132-43). After this information becomes known to the readers, readers understand why Watney repeatedly emphasizes that the Ares 3 astronauts are not at

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