A comet is hurtling towards Earth. Cut to a superhero propelling himself into space. Then, Boom! The world is safe, thanks to the all-American superhero. Well, not quite. Not at all, in fact, as Netflix’s latest offering Don’t Look Up (140 min.) is anything to go by.
A light but serious is how I describe this movie as it is a mix of comedy, science fiction and drama.
Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), a NASA astronaut and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), a PhD intern discover a comet approaching Earth, which will be destroyed a few months away.
The two scientists try to warn that life on earth will end soon if the countries didn’t do anything to stop the comet. They appeared on TV but people don’t care about what they say.
Unlike films like Armageddon (1998) or 2012 (2009) that exploit the theme of comets colliding with our planet, Don’t Look Up presents a very real image of US society, but it could equally be British, French or Russian society.
The difference lies in its tongue-in-cheek treatment of serious issues, for which director Adam McKay combined politics, media and science.
While the media and politicians, including the president, keep telling everyone not to look up, the scientists urge people to do the opposite and observe the approaching comet.
The film also shows how people are easily provoked by political speeches, and their interest in celebrity scandals more than in their own fate.
The acting is competent and almost natural. Some of the dialogue could have been improvised, especially the television chat show with the two scientists.
Meanwhile, the presenters’ greatest concerns are the ratings and the number of hits on their websites, so that they can concentrate on trivia and disregard serious items.
Dr. Mindy is extraordinary in that he is insecure, angry at times and nervous at others. Meryl Streep has come a long way since Mrs. Kramer and Margaret Thatcher in the role of US president who is looking out for a second term, showing herself in the best possible light and as for the comet, what comet?
Gathering a large number of stars like DiCaprio, Lawrence, Jonah Hill and Meryl, the film was released only a few days before the beginning of 2022, Don’t Look Up has garnered huge audiences, not to mention the likes.
The film’s duration is approximately 2h20m but it is interesting and light so it won’t make you feel bored.
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