Editor’s note: This story contains spoilers on the new space epic “The Martian.” [So consider yourself warned. If anyone is going to spoil “The Martian” for you, it might as well be the film’s director, right?]
In “The Martian,” stranded astronaut Mark Watney must use his knowledge of science to survive for several years alone on the Red Planet, in a classic castaway scenario created by book author Andy Weir. The film of the same name is directed by Sir Ridley Scott, who began his screen career production-designing the BBC television series “Doctor Who” (1963) and directing the episodic police drama “Z Cars” (1965). Scott gained worldwide attention upon directing the movie “Alien” (1979), and solidified his sci-fi reputation with “Blade Runner” (1982). Scott has since directed 26 feature films and produced more than 100 movies, television series, documentaries and commercials, including the iconic “Apple Mac 1984” TV spot.
Space.com’s Dave Brody spoke with Scott about the many filmmaking challenges of “The Martian,” which premiered Sept. 14 at the Toronto International Film Festival. [“The Martian” and NASA: See Our Full Coverage]