Just finished watching The Titan on Netflix. What can I say about it? Meh. It wasn’t bad. I stayed awake for the entire movie, which is good. But it lacked a gritty realism of a dystopian world. It also needed more depth and discussion about what was going on outside the small utopian military base where former Air Force fighter pilot Rick Janssen (Sam Worthington) is stationed.
Janssen, along with other recruits, have all agreed to become the first humans capable of living under the harsh condition and inhospitable atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. The military base is beautiful and in the middle of a gorgeous mountain and lake setting. It doesn’t seem like anything destructive has EVER happened there, and after a brief “the world is ending” announcement, and Janssen’s statement “Too bad we can’t save it,” the viewers witness little to none of the chaos supposedly exploding outside this pristine oasis.
As a viewer, I had a lot of unanswered questions. For example: If science has progressed to the point of altering human DNA, why can’t they create a closed biosphere on earth or at least invest in some hydroponics? The set-up of the movie seemed too contrived and the answers provided too simplistic.
Then there are the changes to Janssen. There are drugs, strenuous activities and surgery. Of course, thing go bad, but the movie never really gets exciting or interesting or scary. I kept waiting for a pay out that never came. The volunteers, including Janssen change. I get it, but I never really care.
His wife, Dr. Abi Janssen (Taylor Schilling) does a wonderful job in her role, but she wears white for almost the entire movie. The symbol is a little heavy handed. She’s also a doctor, something I didn’t pick up on until half way through the movie when she goes from a loving, doting wife to a skilled researcher with lab access trying to uncover what the military is doing to her husband.
So in the end…Janssen survives but does he really live?
Lisa Acerbo, Author 