‘Starman’ Review: A Cosmic Journey Filled with Wonder and Awe

“Starman” is a mesmerizing documentary that taps into humanity’s innate wonder for the cosmos, directed by Robert Stone. It reflects on our historical quest for space exploration through Gentry Lee, a NASA figure, reawakening a spiritual connection with our universe. The film combines stunning visuals and poignant themes, encouraging viewers to see the beauty and possibilities that exist on Earth and beyond.

As a child, my first planetarium experience was a spellbinding glimpse into the cosmos that forever changed me—a moment that left me awestruck against the backdrop of a black dome painted with stars. Watching “Starman” evoked that same childlike wonder, bridging past and present to remind us of our cosmic dreams. Directed by Robert Stone, celebrated for his previous work on the six-hour documentary “Chasing the Moon,” this film reawakens our sense of awe, peeling back layers of cynicism and inviting us to marvel at the universe again.

In 1969, the moon landing shifted America’s perspective spectacularly. The iconic “Earthrise” photo captured by Apollo 8 astronauts revealed Earth’s fragility, igniting environmental awareness. Yet, while we celebrated our leap into the cosmos by landing on the moon, it became a monument of stone—a barren expanse rather than the ethereal wonder we had imagined. This letdown left Americans feeling as if our exploring spirit had dwindled, questioning if there was anywhere left to explore.

“Starman” revitalizes that awe, bringing us back to when exploring space was a spiritual journey. Filled with captivating footage, the film taps into our extensive wonder, suggesting that our innate desire for exploration fulfills a deep-seated yearning akin to faith. The film gently nudges us to recall the raw excitement of seeking life beyond Earth—something we collectively seemed to have forgotten.

At the heart of this cosmic adventure is Gentry Lee, the film’s narrator and a key figure in NASA’s space missions. Now 82, his youthful exuberance shines through as he recounts his journey through the vastness of space exploration. Lee embodies the title “Starman”; his vibrant personality and genuine belief in what lies beyond the stars rekindle that infectious sense of hope and enthusiasm in viewers.

With the dream of exploring Mars emerging in the ’70s, writers like Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan sparked imaginations, suggesting life beyond Earth was within reach. “Starman” chronicles this thrilling era, enriched by Lee’s insights as he unfolds the reality behind that hope. The film posits that among countless planets, the chance of encountering life is statistically favorable, yet life forms may perish before achieving advanced civilization.

As we unearth our cosmic aspirations, Lee and the film prompt questions about our relentless pursuit of extraterrestrial connections, rooted in a profound longing for something divine. The images of mesmerizing worlds captured by the Galileo mission unleash breathtaking beauty, urging viewers to imagine life where water flows beneath icy shells, such as on Europa. The film bridges the gap between science and fantasy, taking us on a journey through our hopes, fears, and the warnings of climate change, reminding us that paradise is often hidden in plain sight.

Ultimately, “Starman” is a poignant reminder of the wonder we lose in our journey through life. Lee eloquently encapsulates this idea at the film’s conclusion, stating, “We live in paradise.” With a gaze on the stars and our feet on the Earth, the message resonates: the universe’s true magic lies all around us if we open ourselves to its splendor.

In essence, “Starman” is a powerful exploration of our longing to connect with the cosmos, rekindling that intrinsic curiosity buried within us all. Through the lens of Gentry Lee and Robert Stone’s masterful direction, the film invites the audience to rediscover the thrill of space exploration while reminding us of Earth’s own paradisiacal beauty. Its sweeping visuals and profound themes both illuminate the depths of human aspiration and reflect our place in the universe, ultimately urging us to recognize the wonders that surround us daily.

Original Source: variety.com