Promotion on the new space drama AD ASTRA is in full swing with the arrival of a second trailer after the first debuted only a few weeks ago. While the first time around we were introduced to the visually arresting film from director James Gray (THE LOST CITY OF Z), fit with some of the more intense moments and dramatic narration, this second trailer digs into the drama of the story as Brad Pitt’s Roy McBride calls out to his father, Clifford, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who was lost in space years ago. But, according to Donald Sutherland’s character, not all may be as it seems, and that Jones could actually be alive…perhaps chilling on a new planet with a space mai tai in his hand.
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As I said, the first trailer seemed to be pushing the “epic drama” elements of the movie (space explosions, MAD MAX on the moon), fit with the booming music at the end that would be just as benefitting for an AVENGERS movie. But this is a much quieter, more atmospheric trailer, blending the drama of the story and McBride’s relationship with his father with truly stunning cinematography and visual effects. Together they paint a picture of a movie that could be Gray’s ultimate opus, one that may be more exciting than his past movies but that retains the same humanist elements, and one that, like CITY OF Z, explores the nature of mankind and the drive to explore.
Every time one of these movies comes out they draw comparisons to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, but truly, the way these trailers showcase deceptively simple and striking visuals (ones where color and lighting are stunning in even the most low-key scenes) makes me think this movie could come closer than most to achieving that same level of storytelling. It looks incredible, and while some were worried about its state considering all the schedule changes, this is shaping up to be one of the year’s best.
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AD ASTRA is in theaters September 20.