March leaned into big-screen magic: the Project Hail Mary movie delivered on every emotional promise the book made, Ray Porter’s narration made the audiobook a masterpiece all over again, and a couple of underseen films (Mississippi Grind, Play Dirty) filled in the gaps.
Project Hail Mary was one of my favorite books of the past few years, and is the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to (more on that below). For some reason, I had complete confidence in Lord & Miller and Ryan Gosling capturing the magic of this story on the big screen, and I’m happy to say that they didn’t disappoint.
It’s just that the movie was so very, very good. As usual, the movie wasn’t quite as good as the book, but this is one of those few instances where I didn’t really mind. Because the movie complemented the book. It was a tribute to the book rather than an attempt to tell a different story (I hate when the movie adaptation tries to tell a different story).
The movie version (particularly Ryan Gosling and Rocky-who is a real, actual, live alien, and not a puppet expertly brought to life by a group of magical puppeteers) inject some emotion and depth in a way that brought an entirely new perspective to their relationship when compared to the book.
As for the visuals, I think it was one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen. I mean, how can you not be romantic about shots like this?
And of course Lord & Miller did a wonderful job in condensing the science and the story in a way that didn’t compromise either of those points. It would have been so easy to strip out the nuance, as most big-budget adaptations do.
There were so many spaces filled with silence that brought so much gravity (pun intended) to the actors and emotions. I was blown away by the scene in which Rocky saves Grace. It was so raw and choppy and you’re weeping and shaking on the edge of your seat as you realize what Rocky is doing.
Because overall Project Hail Mary is a story of friendship. Of realizing, that sometimes bravery is to be found in the most unlikely places. I think it’s perfectly illustrated in this dialogue between Commander Yao and Grace (which only appears in the movie):
Grace: Commander Yao, I really appreciate what you all are doing.
Yao: I mean, you would do the same.
Grace: I would choose just not to go at all. I don't have the bravery gene that you all have.
Yao: Trust me. It's not a gene. You just need to find someone to be brave for.
My only complaint is that I wish it could’ve been longer.
Amaze Amaze Amaze
I read the physical book last year, but decided to pick up the audiobook based on everyone raving about the narrator, Ray Porter, and hoo boy were they right. His version of Rocky was better than anything I could imagine, and I love how they added the musical notes to the background of his voice, which is something I never really considered until this audiobook. Looking forward to listening to more audiobooks from Ray Porter.
A buddy-cop comedy featuring a Predator and non-ambulatory android. Not a groundbreaking plot design, but perfectly executed. What’s not to love?
A surprisingly good, gritty drama. Based on the poster alone and description on Netflix (e.g., Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn on a poker playing journey through the south), I assumed it would be more of a lighter drama with a more comedic undertone. However, after seeing the “A24” logo at the opening credits, I knew it was going to be a more gritty, serious movie. And it was. In the best of ways.
Meh. I usually love Shane Black films, but this one just missed the mark. It had all of the makings of a good movie, but just wasn’t. On top of that, it was really lacking in that “Shane Black” je ne sais quois that makes movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys so good.
A Final Note
What I’m currently reading
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Still reading this. Hugo is extremely long-winded, but he’s able to earn the payoffs.
Guns, Germs, & Steel by Jared Diamond. Still reading this one too (I’ve been reading a lot of long books). It delves into fascinating theories about the spread of societies and technology
A quote I’m pondering:
A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.
Until next time
Image Copyright (Amazon/MGM)