As beautiful asThe Martian’s alternate ending may seem, it could have potentially ruined theMatt Damon sci-fi movie. Based on Andy Weir’s book of the same name,The Martianwas both a critical and commercial success when it hit the big screens in 2015. While the movie received some criticism from the likes of Neil deGrasse Tyson for its scientific accuracy, it was widely appreciated for how it captured themes of survival and the resilience of the human spirit.
Most viewers and critics agreed thatThe Martian’s exploration of the interplanetary future and the scope of humanity’s scientific progress was incredibly memorable and engaging. However, one crucial change in theRidley Scott movie’s narrative could have significantly changed it. BeforeThe Martianhit the big screens, it also had an alternate ending. This ending was no less scintillating than the original but had one major issue that could have significantly diminished theMatt Damon movie’s overall appeal.
It “Tells” More Than It “Shows”
InThe Martian’s theatrical ending, Matt Damon’s Dr. Mark Watney becomes a survival instructor for astronaut candidates. Recalling his own experiences in space, he explains how they will face insurmountable issues and problems as astronauts, but they must be willing to solve them.The Martian’s alternate ending portrays something significantly different, where the Matt Damon character delivers a monologue about survival and humanity’s natural tendency to unite and help someone in trouble.
He agrees that he finds it hard to comprehend how so many people came together and spent hundreds of millions of dollars to get him back to Earth. However, he also acknowledges that this is what humans do — they have a basic instinct to save each other. This alternate ending scene features beautiful imagery where the Matt Damon character looks at Earth from space and reminisces about his time on Mars. However, despite being visually stunning, the scene seems a little too preachy. It shoves the movie’s themes and overarching message down viewers' throats.
Instead of subtly highlighting how saving even one human’s life makes a massive difference,the alternate ending tries too hard to make a grand statement about human survival and empathy. Given how many crucial moments from the movie are backed with voice-overs of Mark’s diary entries, the alternate ending’s monologue seems to be in tandem with the rest of the film. However, it seems to break the golden rule of storytelling: “Show, don’t tell!”
The Martian’s Quieter Ending Fit The Ridley Scott Movie Better After Mark’s Journey
The Quieter Ending Subtly Highlights Mark’s Newfound Learnings About His Own Humanity
Rather than providing too much exposition surrounding the overarching message,The Martian’s theatrical ending subtly highlights how Mark’s outer-space adventure has provided him with insights into humanity’s capacity for collaboration. Unlike the alternate ending, the theatrical one does not spell out everything for the viewers.
The Martianmight still have been a hit with the alternate ending, but the original one leaves a more lasting impression without making it too heavy-handed.
Instead, it naturally highlights how Mark’s journey has illustrated humanity’s innate ability to come together in times of crisis.The Martianmight still have been a hit with the alternate ending, but the original one leaves a more lasting impression without making it too heavy-handed.
The Martian
Adapted by Ridley Scott from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, The Martian follows the plight of astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) after he finds himself stranded alone on Mars after he is falsely presumed dead during a mission. Unable to communicate with Earth and armed with little more than his scientific expertise as a botanist, Watney must find a way to survive on the barren planet until the next scheduled mission arrives.
