Week 9: Space and Art


Movies have always been the most interesting form of art. I couldn’t quite understand why until I read an article where the writer detailed “movies are the highest art form because it takes writing, story, photography, drawing, painting, concept art, animation, visual effects, music, acting” (ActionVFX). This made me reflect on movies as a whole and realize that many famous action movies center around outer space. Space and art are unique in that they interplay with one another and help us to create fictional worlds and even theorize about the unknown. A few examples of the highest-grossing movies of all time that include space components are Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (Box Office Mojo).  Both of these movies take on a unique art form that weaves space and space travel into the genre. 

Via IMDb

This pushed me to realize one of my favorite movies of all time sits directly at the center of space and art: Interstellar. “When Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans” (IMDb). 

Via IMDb

The movie is critically acclaimed for how it “redesigned the modern understanding of the visual universe” (Madonna). Though it seemingly takes place in the background, there is a heavy emphasis on the fact that “we must take care of our own planet” (RAMINSKIBBA). This stands out to me as it takes space and art and utilizes their interplay as a way to communicate the urgency of a very pressing matter: climate change. This solidifies to me that the intersections of art, science, and technology produce very powerful messages that can make change. 


Works Cited

​​“Are Movies the Highest Form of Art? 5 Reasons Why I Think, ‘Yes.’” ActionVFX, www.actionvfx.com/blog/are-movies-the-highest-form-of-art-5-reasons-why-i-think-yes. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

“Interstellar.” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/plotsummary/. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

Madonna, S. “Impact and Influence of Interstellar.” Medium, Past/Present/Pop, 6 Dec. 2023, medium.com/past-present-pop/impact-and-influence-of-interstellar-7b89eb707d50#:~:text=Interstellar%20can%20be%20seen%20as,a%20man%20on%20the%20moon. 

Raminskibba. “Thoughts on ‘Interstellar’ and Questions It Raises.” Ramin Skibba, 6 May 2016, raminskibba.net/2014/12/16/thoughts-on-interstellar-and-questions-it-raises/. 


“Top Lifetime Grosses.” Box Office Mojo, www.boxofficemojo.com/chart/top_lifetime_gross/?area=XWW. Accessed 30 May 2024.

Comments

  1. Tiffany Jean DESMA9June 3, 2024 at 12:40 AM

    I really enjoy reading your reflection on why you love movies, particularly those that explore space and art within pop culture/movies. I also appreciate your mention of your favorite movie, "Interstellar." I found it fascinating that you highlighted how the film was acclaimed for reshaping the modern understanding of the universe. I remember being captivated while watching "Interstellar" myself, unable to look away, especially intrigued by the science behind growing plants using specific conditions and compounds. The film’s integration of space, science, nature, and art is truly incredible.

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