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Post by neiru2012 on Aug 27, 2007 19:57:50 GMT -5
We could all debate what Alex or Danny wanted us to get out of the movie, but ultimately, an individual's experience of a movie is entirely subjective. We all walk away from it feeling something different. It could be a renewed sense of respect for an actor's talents, a philosophical appreciation of the story, being blown away by the special effects, a love of science... any number of things. So that's my question: What does Sunshine mean to you? What about it made an impact on you personally? Why do you like it?
For me, Sunshine made an impact on 3 levels:
1) I identify with an idolize Capa as a character. His mastery of science, ability to overcome fears, and purity of self-sacrifice are all things that I aspire to. He's even motivated me to take a serious look at getting an Astrophysics PhD, so that's a pretty big deal.
2) I love stars and space. Science has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I think Sunshine does a phenomenal job of showcasing the raw intensity of stars. The Sun's beauty is hypnotic to me. It is a terrifyingly powerful thing. It gives life, and it takes it away, but it is not cruel. It is what it is, and without it we would not be here.
3) Spiritual Orgasm. Where oh where to begin.
I see the characters in the movie as a microcosm of humanity, and their interactions are similar to those of people on a larger scale. How each of them reacts to the Sun (ie: God/dess) also describes the range of attitudes people have about the divine. The movie, up until the final encounter with the sun, I see as the struggle of life forms to survive when they know themselves only as individuals. They are afraid of the world, afraid of each other, worry about death, and caught up in their own immediate problems and relatively narrow perspective of the universe.
As Capa is setting up the bomb, he is still consumed by anxiety about the completion of the mission, of the billions depending on him back on Earth, of the lives lost trying to get him here, of completing his life's work of designing this bomb, of humanity's imaginary struggle against the whims of nature. He has a healthy respect for the sun, he knows how powerful it is, and how insignificant he is in comparison. He knows the math, he knows the physics, but nothing could have prepared him for the real thing. When faced with the pure wonder of the cosmos, all these things fall away, and the only thing left is bliss and awe. The petty worries of humanity some 93 million miles away lose all meaning alongside the eternal.
In an instant he forgets that he should be afraid of the sun, that the bomb might not work, and that he's about to die... he just basks in direct communion with the universe that no amount of scientific observation could have described. There is no death, only the reality of oneness with all things. The return to stardust. It's the sun's way - or the universe's way - of saying that no matter what happens, everything is always okay. Even as you watch the movie, you can feel his overwhelming sense of release from the nightmare he's just experienced. All the other crew members died honorably, but only Capa glimpses this pure level of enlightenment before death - and all in one billionth of a second.
Of course, I know I'm projecting my own feelings onto Capa... but that's why the movie is so useful to me. I idenitfy with Capa, and experience the scene through him. Almost like a guided meditation. The whole movie is the journey of human consciousness towards melding with the mind of the cosmos. It's such an incredibly profound summation of my spirituality and my view of nature.
/end rambling
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Post by nimue on Aug 27, 2007 22:46:02 GMT -5
You pretty much summed up greatly what it means to me too.  |
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Post by cococi on Sept 1, 2007 15:46:52 GMT -5
nice neiru u made me feel all warm and cozy inside i could describe al of it in 2 words
Love Miracle
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Post by neiru2012 on Sept 2, 2007 10:32:39 GMT -5
Come on, I'm sure Sunshine means something to somebody that I didn't cover... ^_^;
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Post by cococi on Sept 2, 2007 16:51:05 GMT -5
yes my friend and he is somewere.. around there... in this .. vaste place.. we call EARTH.....MM hungry cookie time!!!
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Post by chero on Sept 2, 2007 17:22:46 GMT -5
Come on, I'm sure Sunshine means something to somebody that I didn't cover... ^_^; I do, but it's hard to put into words... my meaning for Sunshine goes beyond the actual film. ...I can't put these things in a specific order, but here it goes: - Personal Growth: My fascination with Sunshine (which has now spanned a little over a year now) has collided with my coming-of-age phase. I first discovered Sunshine when I turned 19 in July of last year. I am now 20 and it feels like I've matured so much, as a college student and as a young adult.
As A Student: My entire college experience has been bombarded by Sunshine. Literally. I am a big moviegoer by nature and I enjoy frequent trips to the cinema. Thus, I tend to keep updated on upcoming releases and plan my life accordingly. Sunshine, at first, was just another of my movie obsessions, something that I would crave one day but forget the next. However, it never turned out that way. I liked the concept and the actors... almost too much.
At the time, I made the decision that I wanted to minor in Film, not specifically because of Sunshine, but because of my general love for entertainment. I took a Multicultural Film class and discovered that my favorite genre was Science Fiction (which interestingly parallels the dying [or dead as some may say] Western genre). In this class, I learned aspects of film that the average audience member wouldn't necessarily know (or care about for that matter). I actually enjoyed analyzing film and I even wrote an eight-page research paper on Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, a film that I saw for the first time in January of this year. My thesis was: "[28 Days Later] uses different film genres to suggest broader themes. As a coming of age film, 28 Days Later depicts the maturation of man; as a post-apocalyptic film, it presents a wider problem in today’s society; and, (although not popularly debated) as a war film, it serves as a reflection of the wartime atmosphere." The most pleasing thing about it is that my English teacher had a fascination with the representation of disease in film and she never saw 28 Days Later before. Score!
In short, from Sunshine I've discovered one of my favorite directors - Danny Boyle. While I waited for Sunshine's theatrical release, I busied myself with Boyle's earlier works. Sunshine essentially introduced me to 28 Days Later and Trainspotting. I don't think many people can say that. Today, I use my education from all of my film classes to not only understand film better, but to further explore the intellectual complexities that Sunshine offers.
As An Adult: From Sunshine, I've gained a whole new, broader network of people that I can turn to for in-depth discussions about the film and possibly for a career opportunity one day. My sister and I are the first in our family to cross the pond to England. I would have never gone to London as a teenager (and without parents) if it weren't for my spontaneous rendevous with the ever so knowledgable Amanda (who is a moderator here and webmiss at uCillian). It was the first time we had ever met physically and the whole idea was pretty scary at the time. I'm typically shy around new people.
In London, I was engaged in an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Danny Boyle, Andrew Macdonald, Cillian Murphy, Benedict Wong, Dr. Brian Cox, and Gia Millinovich (just to say a few). I don't really remember ever meeting a celebrity in real life before my London trip back in March, but even if I did, nothing could ever surpass that dreamlike experience. I'm still pinching myself! Part of being an adult is to go out and explore the world. I literally did that! - Entertainment Growth: First, Danny Boyle. Second, Danny Boyle. In conclusion, Danny Boyle. I'm a big fan of Alex Garland, too. Both of these guys were foreign to me when I found out about Sunshine. I'm so glad that I did!
I originally pursued Sunshine because of Cillian Murphy. However, I'm honestly a fan of every actor (Hiroyuki Sanada in particular). It's fun to look back on each of their filmographies and watch their films (again or for the first time). Again, I don't really remember any film previously that made me feel this way. If someone were to ask for my list of favorite actors, a majority (if not all) of the actors in Sunshine would be on it.
So basically, in my eyes, Sunshine means considerable growth on two levels: personal and entertainment. I might add more later, but right now I need to do my Japanese Society/Culture homework. What? Did I take that class for a particular Sunshine-related reason? Nahhh... (I'm also taking Planets/Stars/Galaxies. Oh boy...) |
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Post by neiru2012 on Sept 3, 2007 11:44:44 GMT -5
That's an amazing coming of age experience, chero! It's funny that you were initially attracted to Sunshine by Cillian but found Hiroyuki. I really need to check out more of Hiro's other movies. Cillian, though, I've liked since 28 Days Later. That is, I've immensely enjoyed his presence in a movie, but I never actively pursued movies with him. He completely blew me away in Sunshine, though, and is now in my top 5 actors! I got a NetFlix account purely to rent his entire filmography (and astrophysics documentaries). What did it feel like to meet him - any of them, for that matter - in person?? I know you said surreal, but what were they like? ^_^ And you even got to meet Brian Cox!! His commentary track is the main DVD extra I'm looking forward to.
Thank you for sharing such a different perspective on the movie. I am completely missing out on the whole insiders cinematic/filmmaker's aspect of enjoying Sunshine. I just go purely off my personal interpertations, but that's why I'm curious about how others appreciate the movie. I think Sunshine has so many layers to it to explore.
It's so hard for me to believe that people knew about this movie for over a year. I wish I did! I was just looking on moviefone for a movie to watch one night and saw Cillian's name attached to a movie I never heard of before. Watched the trailer, saw the movie same day... and here I am! XD
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Post by chero on Sept 3, 2007 17:36:55 GMT -5
That's an amazing coming of age experience, chero! It's funny that you were initially attracted to Sunshine by Cillian but found Hiroyuki. I really need to check out more of Hiro's other movies. I love how you put this: "...but found Hiroyuki."  If you love Michelle Yeoh too, I highly recommend Royal Warriors. It's the first collaboration between Yeoh and Sanada. I LOVED it, but then again I'm severely biased. What did it feel like to meet him - any of them, for that matter - in person?? I know you said surreal, but what were they like? ^_^ And you even got to meet Brian Cox!! His commentary track is the main DVD extra I'm looking forward to. On our first day in London, we saw Cillian stand onstage beside Danny Boyle and Andrew Macdonald, supporting (not necessarily contributing to) the introduction of the Sunshine screening that was about to take place at the Leicester Square Empire. We didn't talk to him, but we did crane our necks as he walked through the audience towards the back of the theatre to sit with a couple of friends. Amanda squeed, Brittany squeed, I squeed, we all squeed (if that's a word). After the screening, we were introduced to Dr. Brian Cox (by the mischievous Amanda) and then Gia introduced all of us to Benedict Wong and some other Sunshine crew. It was love at first sight. Benny is such a gentleman and is completely down-to-earth. I still can't believe that Amanda pushed Brittany and I to take a picture with him (THANK YOU, AMANDA!). We also took a picture with Danny Boyle and Alwin Kuchler. Alwin initially wanted to take the photo (CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT SUNSHINE'S DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ALMOST TOUCHED MY CAMERA?), but Amanda insisted that he should be in the picture, too. After that, Gia and Dr. Brian invited us to a local pub to celebrate the completion of the screening. It was fun! As we had just stepped off the plane an hour (or less) before the screening, we still had our luggage with us (WE STASHED IT IN A RANDOM CORNER AT THE EMPIRE, HOW CRAZY IS THAT?). We didn't stay too long at the pub because we were so tired from the drastic time change. On day two, we went to a fancy hotel where we listened to a press conference. Benny recognized us when he entered to take his seat at the podium (THIS IS ME DYING -->  ). After the conference, we spoke briefly to Benny because his manager said that he had to go. I think after Benny, we were finally introduced to Cillian. He is very protective of his personal space and it's really difficult to get him to shake hands (A FACT WHICH I FORGOT AT THE TIME  ). When I introduced myself, I stuck out my hand and I could have sworn that he looked at me as if I was crazy. He eventually shook all of our hands though (WHEW!). His eyes are so amazing in person. His pictures and films don't do them justice! After Cillian left, we spoke to Danny. Danny acted like our surrogate father throughout the entire trip. We affectionately called him "Uncle Danny" (BENNY WAS "BROTHER BENNY" AND CILLIAN WAS "HUSBAND CILLIAN"). I was so bashful to all of the celebrities I met, but I managed to meekly hand over a Sunshine Fan Online business card to Uncle Danny and he looked at it and said, "Oh cool!" He said that his cousin is really into the Internet and that he will make sure to let him know about it (THIS IS ME DYING --> ). I remember the scene perfectly. He placed the card in his left chest pocket in his nice black coat. He wore that same outfit to the Sunshine screening at BFI Southbank later that evening and I was ecstatic the whole time he was on stage, thinking that my card was still in his pocket. Before the screening started, Brittany and I moved from our ticket seats to the empty ones beside Gia and Amanda. Moments later, Andrew Macdonald and Mark Tildesley (I think) took them (our ticket seats). Brittany and I were screaming inside out of sheer delight (THIS IS ME DYING --> ). We talked to them briefly and I gave them both SFO cards, too. Brittany noticed that my hands were shaking, but sometimes I do that anyways (THESE GUYS ARE FAMOUSLY IMPORTANT, HELLO!). After the Q&A with Uncle Danny and Husand Cillian, Andrew Macdonald invited all four of us (GIA DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN) to the afterparty (THIS IS ME DYING --> ). We were pinching each other mentally as Andrew led the way to the back room (GIA LOOKED CALM BECAUSE, HECK, SHE IS A FELLOW CREW MEMBER). The afterparty was located in a dark room with a bar and a large Sunshine standup in the back. We all drank water even though Andrew asked if we wanted anything to drink (THE DRINKING AGE IN ENGLAND IS 18 AND BRITTANY AND I WERE 19 AT THE TIME, AMANDA WAS 20). I needed to be sober for this moment. I'm not a big drinker anyways. We chatted more with Uncle Danny. Some topics included twins, left-handedness, Simpsons, and Cassie's pregnancy. I sincerely miss talking to him...  Gia then escorted us to Husband Cillian for a picture. While we waited for him to finish talking with his friends, we were graced with our brother's charm once again. Benny hugged each of us (THIS IS ME DYING --> ). He did the same to Cillian and we just smiled and blushed. Cillian was so nice during our picture with him. Gia generously took two pictures of us (THIS IS ME DYING --> ). I felt like a stalker the whole time because this was our third time seeing him. I think Uncle Danny was surprised to see us at the press conference and was excited to learn that we would be attending the BFI screening as well. Gia is absolutely amazing. There are no words to describe her overwhelming kindness and utter perfection. She is the ideal London tourist guide, too. Her love for Sunshine and what it stands for is so apparent in everything she does. Just writing typing things about her makes me so emotional. Those were the days... ------------------ That's quite enough of my sappy and fangirlly story for now. If you want to read more about it, you can read Brittany's London post and my London press conference notes HERE.  If I didn't answer your question like you wanted, do tell! I tend to ramble when I get in the mood. |
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Post by neiru2012 on Sept 3, 2007 23:31:04 GMT -5
If you love Michelle Yeoh too, I highly recommend Royal Warriors. It's the first collaboration between Yeoh and Sanada. I DO love Michelle Yeoh. Will make sure to check it out! On our first day in London, we saw Cillian..... .....Those were the days... *inane fangirlish giggling* I think after Benny, we were finally introduced to Cillian. He is very protective of his personal space and it's really difficult to get him to shake hands (A FACT WHICH I FORGOT AT THE TIME ). When I introduced myself, I stuck out my hand and I could have sworn that he looked at me as if I was crazy. CUTE!! His eyes are so amazing in person. His pictures and films don't do them justice! You gotta be $******* me... God help me if I ever meet him in person. I have a hard enough time withstanding his gaze onscreen!! Wow, I'm giddy just reading about your experience! I can only imagine how incredible it must've been in person! Those are some BIG names, there!! All awesome people, too! Closest experience I have to yours is when I met Reuben Langdon and Dan Southworth. Not many people know who they are, but they are HUUUGE to me, since they are the voice and motion actors of my my favorite characters of all time (Dante and Vergil) from my favorite game of all time (Devil May Cry 3). But that's another story... I didn't get to do nearly the stuff you did, though. An afterparty?? Having full-length conversations?!? OMG... That is just... WOW. Watching Sunshine must make you feel like you're visiting old friends! It's so warm and cozy and happy. ^_^ You're so lucky to have experienced such close contact with the cast and crew. Must go read your links now! |
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Post by generichiphop on Sept 7, 2007 2:41:22 GMT -5
I'm surprised nobody mentioned Mace. I identified the most with Mace. Although I consider myself quite a spiritual person (and I am completely aware he is the most CLEAR atheist in the film), I can't help but envy his utilitarian and pragmatic approach to his own existence. He seems to have a very personal and subjective set of moral values, however he adheres to it and stands by it.
For whatever reason, given my life's experience, that's a type of trait and characteristic I would like to develop.
Was anybody else affected by Mace's character moreso than the others? Or am I alone on this?
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Post by shadokp on Sept 8, 2007 23:03:23 GMT -5
I guess the movie didn't have an impact on me as much as others although I haven't been into a film this much in several years. I haven't watched it enough times to be able to extrapolate more out of the characters and identify with them as much as some have. I can certainly relate to some and right away found my perspective moving to Cassie because she was more sensitive and personal. Despite knowing what needed to happen, she couldn't vote on the killing of anyone. Rose's emotion seemed the most real of anyone's onboard.
I found the ever increasing danger the Icarus II crew was facing and the adaptation needed to still get to point B a motivating and important part of the story. Movies and real life like the Apollo 13 situation have a similar theme where it seems every time they are just getting things under control, another problem pops up. This developing situation and the crew's way of dealing is what helps define the characters for this movie. I would argue that anything about the characters before the movie is all hypothetical because by the time we meet these characters, they are already being influenced by the Sun. Most films establish a norm before the twist - in this case the only norm is the long mission and the increasing unease and tension and importance of the mission.
Unless things change after more viewings, I still view the Sun as an outside influence and it is it's shear power that makes the characters in the movie - shows the viewer who they are. In a way, disaster films use this formula. The interaction of the characters with others is no where near the level as the Sun.
Somtimes events or things are so big, people become who they are based on these things. Someone's career can make them who they are. An event, a disaster can alter or shape their life. It might have been an interesting study to see what each of these characters would have done if they made it home but had still gone through all that they had done. Of course part of the definition of character was their deaths and in the case of "Sunshine" all the crew deaths were part of their character, apart from maybe Trey.
I guess this is what I get for not posting much for a month and then posting every thought I had about the movie in one posting - sorry and I probably didn't even anwer the question.
Sun is power. No religion, just the idea of the sun, the science of the sun, the size and power, all interacting with characters who struggle to deal. The importance of their mission VS the power of the sun VS their own self.
KP
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Post by Starry_MelC on Sept 10, 2007 5:57:40 GMT -5
Chero, you guys are so darn lucky. The closest experience I ever get is meeting Michelle or rather seeing her from AFAR...... there's like, 100 people in front of me and that guy in front of me is INSANELY tall. Everyone seems to own a digital camera or a video camera and all I have is a lousy film camera, which I can barely take a picture of anything because I'm standing tip-toe lifting my camera with my arms hoping to get a glimpse of Michelle. this was my best shot Still, the experience itself is enough the leave the MOST dorkiest goofiest grin in my face for like over a month! I finally understand the quote "you look like you slept with a hanger in your mouth!" If I'm standing beside you now, I'll hug you, just so I can tell people "I hugged someone who hugged BENNY!!!"  Arghhh!!! I'm sooooooooooo jealous of you guys right now!!! I need to go scream into a pillow now! |
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Post by brittany on Sept 10, 2007 7:59:58 GMT -5
Sorry, MelC...  |
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Post by Starry_MelC on Sept 10, 2007 10:42:46 GMT -5
If I didnt love you guys all so much already, I would have hated you!   |
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Post by brittany on Sept 10, 2007 11:42:45 GMT -5
eek!!  (Love ya too, Melazon!  ) |
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Arghhh!!! I'm sooooooooooo jealous of you guys right now!!! I need to go scream into a pillow now!
