I would be the first to admit that it would be a rare circumstance that would find me missing the opportunity to give the movie studios my hard-earned dollar(s) for the latest Star Trek or Star Wars film, or many other franchise films that in one way or another often rework and rehash old ideas in the hopes of pleasing old fans while gaining new. Though I have often conversed with friends both in person and online about the dearth of creativity in the science fiction film industry, especially given the many talented writers who keep the field fresh and interesting, I am loathe to back up that position by voting with my wallet.
The truth is, I am a fan boy at heart.
Thus it came as a great surprise during the end credits of the critically acclaimed film, Arrival, to find that it was based on the novella, Story of Your Life, for which author Ted Chiang won both the Hugo and Nebula awards.
I was already elated at the end of what was a truly affecting, beautiful film, and that elation mounted with the glimmer of hope that perhaps competing studios might look to Arrival as an example for how to tap into the rich science fiction literature market for interesting film ideas.
Despite Arrival having already surpassed its relatively modest production budget, and despite being critically lauded, I realize this is wishful thinking.
It is now officially the Christmas Season. Please give me a few more days before you crush my dreams.
Arrival was a film I knew little about before its release. It had a brief, limited advertising campaign and I tend not to want to seek out much information on films like this for fear of the story being spoiled. Allow me to assure you right from the start that the remainder of this “review” will be brief, and spoiler-free. Arrival is one of those films that could be easily spoiled even if one tries to dance around the film’s plot.
The film is beautifully acted. I’ve long been a fan of Amy Adams, and she carries this film with grace and presence. She was an outstanding choice. Jeremy Renner was as well, though the film is centered squarely on the character of Louise Banks, the linguistic professor portrayed by Adams.
The basic idea is simple and has been done before: aliens arrive at multiple locations unannounced and humanity struggles to interpret their intent. We are introduced quickly to the small main cast and much of the film is focused squarely on these individuals, which is one of the many reasons why I believe Arrival is such an effective film. It is also a film about language and how language informs who we are, an idea that I had thought little about before becoming obsessed with the work of Professor Tolkien.
The film is shot with an atmosphere of unknowing that is palpable, and the soundtrack feeds upon the mix of fear and curiosity and wonder that the audience and the characters are experiencing.
Arrival is a film that satisfied me emotionally as well as satisfied those science fictional elements that hooked me on the genre as a young boy and have fueled my passion over these many decades.
I will say little more. The film needs to be seen on the big screen. Not because of the amazing special effects that we are used to in science fiction films, but because the big screen enhances the scope of the story.
You should see it. I’m hoping to do so again before its departure.
Glad you liked it Carl. I’m really excited for this. Looks like a sci-fi movie that revolves around ideas and not whizz-bangs. I’m going next weekend to see it.
You’ll have to post your thoughts. It is certainly an ideas film, no doubt about it.
As ever, I’ll take your advice on this one. The trailer does seem intriguing and anything other than 90 minutes of CGI monsters and mass slaughter would be refreshing!
It is refreshing in that sense. One not to miss.
I enjoyed ARRIVAL, too. Amy Adams may get an Oscar nomination for her performance. Since I read Ted Chang’s short story before I saw the movie, my friends who left the movie perplexed turned to me to clear up their confusion about the film.
I certainly hope she does, I think the performance is very worthy.
I have read some of Chiang’s work, but I cannot recall if I’ve read this story or not. I have a feeling that I did, but am not certain. I do want to read it (again?) soon while the movie is fresh in my mind.
I can’t find the words to express how good Arrival is. Head, heart, details, acting… One of my three top sci-fi movies ever, after only one viewing. I say that after spotting a few flaws, too.
I’m right there with you, Will. So great.
I really enjoyed Arrival too. And I’m a big Amy Adams fan too. Saw her in Nocturnal Animals as well, very different film & role, but she’s so great in both.
I’ve not seen that. I would like to see Big Eyes as well as she looks like she does an amazing job in that role, but it looks like it might be a bummer of a movie, which is why I haven’t watched it to this point.
I really liked the concept of the movie and the whole bit about alien linguistics was fascinating. At the same time, Arrival tore at my heartstrings a little more than I intended.
It had its tear-jerking moments, to be sure. I think that is why I connected with it so strongly.
Arrival is one of those few stories where the film is better than the original story, and the original story is fantastic.
I’m looking forward to reading (or maybe re-reading) it. I really wish this would lead to more films based on short and long science fiction stories.
Really looking forward to seeing this to begin with but your review makes me even more excited!
I hope you enjoy it, it is not one to miss.
I loved this movie so much!
It was so great, wasn’t it?
Read the book of short stories if you haven’t. I thought Arrival did a good job of taking that one short story to the screen – it kept most of the key ideas intact. I also liked the choice of actors. I think my spouse thought it lacked action (surprising since her opinion of the last Star Trek film was that it was simply action with little bits of almost-plot in-between). I thought the lack of action was brilliant – made me think more of Bladerunner than Star Wars.
I suck at language (except computer ones…) so the idea that learning a language deeply changes how you think is quite interesting (especially then in my case?).
BTW I loved all the stories in the book – each one took a central theme and rang it dry.
I will definitely be reading more of his work in the future.
I agree, I liked the pacing and the lack of action in Arrival. I thought the whole piece kept the right mood throughout.
I loved this film so much! I was hoping to go see it again, but there have been too many other films to see this autumn/winter. Currently reading the short story collection this is from and surprisingly enjoying it (considering I don’t generally enjoy reading scifi). So much so that I may join your 2017 SciFi Experience…oh my!