Review Of Denis Villeneuve’S Dramatic Science Fiction Film Arrival
If you could see your whole life stretched from start to finish, what, if anything, would you change? This is one of the many tough questions explored in Denis Villeneuve’s dramatic 2016 science fiction film, Arrival. And although it may seem hypothetical, this question has very real implications for the protagonist of this thought-provoking movie.
More than just another cheesy alien drama, this film speaks to profound aspects of human nature. Because of its powerful message, superb acting, and enchanting audio-visual production, Arrival by Denis Villeneuve is one of the most underrated films of its genre and deserves to be watched and thoughtfully discussed in a scholarly setting. Although some critics may consider science fiction to have a niche audience, most audience members will enjoy some aspect of this film, whether it be the relatability of the main character or the mysterious purpose of the aliens.
The protagonist of this story, Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams), is a loving mother turned intimidatingly intelligent linguistics professor who struggles to cope with the loss of her only daughter, Hannah, after she is ravaged by a rare but devastating form of cancer as a teenager. Her only solace seems to be burying herself in her profession, which is why she is enlisted by the US government to help with their extraterrestrial peacemaking efforts. Twelve spaceships have landed in twelve different locations throughout the world, bringing with them a curious and indecipherable form of written and oral language. Louise tests her knowledge and determination after she and another recruit, astrophysicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), must decipher this strange dialect to learn the specie’s purpose on earth and prevent any detrimental misunderstanding that could lead to an intergalactic war. Along her journey, Louise is faced with questions concerning the nature of time, the definition of love, and how the choices we make now impact our future. For the sake of all the readers who have not yet watched this film, I will not reveal the ending, but I will admit that I was stunned to silence the first time I watched it. Rather than the sub-par special effects offered by most science fiction movies, Arrival offers a refreshing take on what defines us as humans in a unique and skillful execution.
The most important aspect that distinguishes Arrival from similar movies of its genre is the substantial and eloquent storyline; this movie was intelligently scripted, contains a powerful philosophical message, and is overall both entertaining and effective. Both the opening and closing scenes of the movie are rich with important quotes that will follow the viewer around long after the film is over. Moreover, the in-depth terminology such as “non-linear orthography” and “non-zero-sum game” make it clear that the subjects discussed were thoughtfully researched before the movie was filmed. And the themes that saturate the film, although complex and at times difficult to comprehend, add another dimension of originality and intellectual value for the viewer to enjoy.
One film critic called the film a “departure into the realms of the visionary and supernatural,” a sentiment echoed by many viewers who felt that this was a refreshing break from stereotypical alien guts and gore (Bradshaw). Villeneuve craftily keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, building up palpable tension with scenes of international drama and mysterious alien danger. Being adapted from a novel, this film has a decisively storybook feel, leaving the viewer without doubt that the plot is the backbone of this film. And if the storyline gives this movie its depth, then it is the cinematography and musical scores that bring this story to life.
The visual and audio components of a movie are essential to its success in the box office, especially for a science fiction film. Arrival is no exception, delivering simple but effective special effects, captivating set designs, and relevant musical scores added in the background. Any good alien movie has good aliens, and Arrival’s extraterrestrials are just frightening enough to satisfy an avid science fiction fan but not cheesy enough to dissuade other types of viewers. Even more memorable are the inky logograms (a form of writing) depicted throughout the film, which appeared both realistic and superhumanly elaborate. Because the story takes place in Montana, the picturesque set meshed perfectly with the context of the film, as the bright and peaceful fields in the background contrast with the dark, hectic chaos of the military base camp where most of the action is filmed.
The final touch that brings the visual components together is the well-composed musical score that kindles the emotional undercurrent present throughout the dialogue and flashback scenes. Confoundingly simple but startlingly haunting, the score that is introduced in the first scene of the movie and replayed again in the later scenes alerts the viewer to the grief experienced by Louise upon the death of her daughter and the serious nature of the topics explored by the director.
The musical score and cinematography knit together seamlessly the way that any good movie should. But the factor that really changes this film from above-average to deeply beautiful are the acting choices that so powerfully bring the emotion of the script to life. For a movie as powerful as Arrival, skilled actors are a must. Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and the series of three actors playing Hannah were fitting choices for the film, as they delivered their lines poignantly and embodied the characters that they played. Amy Adams plays the difficult role of an unlikely heroine to a tee, with just enough wit and determination to pull it off. By her emotive body language and impassioned line delivery, Adams easily convinces the audience of the love and grief that Louise feels for her daughter. And Renner, who plays the charming and intelligent male lead, adequately shows the sincerity of his character without coming across as overly dramatic and sentimental.
Not all critics, however, felt that Renner’s performance matched that of Adams, with one reviewer calling his character the “egghead partner” whose only purpose is “plot device” (Rodriguez). But while his character might not be as emotionally mature as Adams’s character, Renner’s choices in character portrayal help the viewer understand his role of supporting Louise, not stealing the show with some cliché display of male bravado and dominance. It is exactly his ability to blend into the background that makes him the best choice to allow Adams’s talent to shine. Very few movies can so skillfully combine entertainment and such as powerful message. Three critical facets of this film–the plot, the audio-visual production, and the acting – allow this movie to achieve the lofty goals the director had set out to fulfill.
The science fiction community needs to take note of Arrival’s unique style and reward this cast with the praise they deserve. Arrival warrants much more credit than it has been given by critics. Not every science fiction film has such a captivating story, skillful audio-visual production and emotional acting. And although the philosophical implications of the film may confuse and bewilder some viewers expecting an action-packed alien war, more intellectual viewers will appreciate the mental stimulation. Both film students and families should discuss the deep precedent set by Arrival. So, the next time you are renting a movie on paper view, consider choosing Arrival. Truly one of kind, this film will stick with you long after it is over.
