ReviewFilm: A Beautiful Planet 3DDirector: Toni MyersNarrator: Jennifer LawrenceShowing: At IMAX this weekRating: ★★★½
By STEPHANIE CHEN
A Beautiful Planet 3D, directed by the illustrious Toni Myers, is filled with intimacy, humanity and realism.
It is a charming documentary that showcases Myers’ ability to capture the epic nature of space on film, although it becomes clear that a humble 45-minute documentary is too limited for the ambitious nature of A Beautiful Planet 3D.
The film is presented by IMAX 4K laser digital technology. Astronaut Marsha Ivins declared this was the best and most realistic way so far available to experience space without having to actually leave the earth’s atmosphere.
Indeed, the images are crystal clear and the 3D effects are so well used it’s hard to imagine seeing the film any other way. But it quickly becomes apparent that cinematic technology still has a long way to go before it will be able to fully capture our world’s grandeur.
From the get-go the imagery is undeniably awe-inspiring. The universe expands right before your eyes and the camera traverses through galaxies while stars are catapulted across the giant screen.
It is a beautiful sight by any standard, but the attempt to accurately portray the magnificent size of the universe and planets in such a fast-paced manner draws attention to the limitations of the square-ish screen, which seems puny and finite in comparison (obviously).
Your eyes can’t help but follow the infinite numbers of stars and galaxies off of the edges, disrupting all illusions and snapping you back into reality.
The documentary continues on, exploring modern and ancient civilisations, outer space, life on the international space station, humans' impact on the earth and so much more.
But herein lies A Beautiful Planets 3D greatest weakness. There are just too many topics with no storyline to mush everything together harmoniously. Each topic becomes a mini film of its own and it feels like you’re reading a highly descriptive textbook, jumping from one brief chapter to the next as it rushes to cover ground. Because it lacked a clear purpose, it felt disjointed and somewhat uninspiring at times.
Thankfully, Jennifer Lawrence’s narration, paired with the eloquent testimonials of the astronauts, help rescue the film’s continuity and fluidity. Lawrence’s voice is hauntingly beautiful. Her smooth, slightly husky and honeyed voice is universally pleasant and unobtrusive.
Similarly the testimonials from the astronauts are extremely well placed. Their intelligent and insightful comments give you a sense of pride and inspiration. The testimonials prevent the documentary from being a mere documentation of our planet. It gives it life.
Furthermore, IMAX succeeds in providing audiences with a fully immersive experience when we travel aboard the International Space Station.
The 3D effect and cheerful soundtrack ensures that every moment spent with the space crew is filled with intimacy and joy. We are allowed to experience their successes, their emotions and the dangers they face. They’re intelligent, they’re friendly and warm but most importantly they are human.
The film also does an admirable job at rising above “petty” human politics to touch on the beauty of every country and continent. However there seemed to be a slightly America-centric narrative that undermined the implied concept that as humans, we are all equal and that the world does not revolve around any of us.
Although the documentary leaves me conflicted, I am certain that A Beautiful Planet 3D is not something that should be missed. On the one hand it is visual masterpiece created by the combination of art and science.
It is a testament to the amazing technological advancements the past few decades have had and leaves you awestruck and inspired. On the other hand, the overall experience was less than harmonious and Myers failed to realise the film’s full potential, thanks to the over-saturation of content and hazy direction.