NickReview for Ad Astra (2019) Directed by James Gray. Starring: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga. IMDB says “Astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe. ”
“I recall that we used to watch black and white movies together…”
Ad Astra is the newest film from director James Gray (The Immigrant, We Own The Night) starring Brad Pitt (you know who he is) as astronaut Roy McBride. Major McBride is sent out on a mission to uncover the truth about his missing father (Tommy Lee Jones). From Earth to the Moon to Mars and beyond, McBride pushes himself, not letting anyone or anything stop him. I was excited to see Brad Pitt in his first space-based science fiction film. George Clooney, though a small role, did well with Gravity and Matt Damon surprised everyone with The Martian. Ad Astra leans more towards the former, diving deep not just into the far reaches of space, but internal reflection as well. You won’t find any jokes or light moments in this film. As dark as the other side of the moon, the film tries very hard, very frequently, to remind you of how serious and deep it’s being. Sometimes we get a glimmer of unveiled truths and lessons we can take with us, but they’re far and few between the surface level philosophy lessons we end up with. It tries to be 2001: A Space Odyssey, but ends up having more in common with Apocalypse Now. The story had so much potential, but it under delivers and meanders throughout. It felt more like a dream at times. Flashes of memories and the present awash with narration from Pitt a la Terrence Malick.
Brad Pitt is, well, Brad Pitt. He’s solid in this role and delivers in every scene. The supporting cast is fine, but none have the command like Pitt does. You almost don’t care who he interacts with in order to progress the story. You just want Pitt to get the dialogue over with and continue the journey alone with him. Visually, the film is stunning. I found myself enthralled in the locations and set pieces, and often wondering how they were able to pull some of the shots off. The CGI is flawless and there was never a time where I was put off. It truly felt like we were on the Moon or Mars. It was so impressive. I also quite liked how everything wasn’t over explained. There was no filler dialogue explain the structures or weapons or how certain rooms/facilities worked. You went from scene to scene confidently, like Pitt’s character, and you knew what had to be done and when.
Less impressive was the score. Max Richter (Waltz with Bashir, Shutter Island) really colors by the numbers in this one. There is no creativity or excitement in the score. He doesn’t add anything like Hans Zimmer did with Interstellar and Blade Runner 2049. He just adds tones when applicable and calls it a day. The film had so much potential to capture the imagination and take the theaters by storm, but sadly I feel this film will be looked over and brushed off as just another space film. As much as I wanted to enjoy the film, it becomes another victim of all style and very little substance. Don’t cheat yourself by not seeing this film in theaters. It’s gorgeous and needs to be seen in the best formats possible, just don’t expect too much.