Much has been written about Interstellar’s breathtaking visuals, sound effects, and musical score, but today, I want to highlight Nolan’s use of six great themes that elevate any story—themes that help to define us as a species.
- Good & Evil: The Duality of Human Nature.
Interstellar is more than just a sci-fi adventure story—it’s a profound exploration of the two sides of human nature. This is brilliantly illustrated through the character of Dr. Mann, played by Matt Damon.
At first, Mann is talked about as the embodiment of heroism, hailed as a beacon of hope for humanity. But as we peel back the layers, his mask crumbles, exposing a dark side driven by fear and desperation. The revelation of Mann’s betrayal on the ice planet serves as a stark reminder of how thin the veneer of civilization can be, warning us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the loss of our moral compass.
When Mann sabotages Cooper and attempts to escape, we see the devastating consequences of his actions, underscoring the film’s cautionary message about the potential for evil within us all.
- Truth or Lies?
Interstellar boldly explores the theme of truth versus falsehood. One powerful example is the scene where Cooper confronts his children’s school about their false teachings on the moon landing.
This moment reminds us of our current struggle against misinformation and the manipulation of facts to drive specific narratives. Yet, as Cooper and his team venture into the unknown, the film ultimately champions the pursuit of truth in search of the awe-inspiring secrets of the universe.
Cooper’s disapproval of the school’s indoctrination highlights the critical importance of truth in an age of deception, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of cosmic realities.
”Great themes make for consequential stories. Learn how to use them in your own tales.”
3. Transcendence or Rootedness?
A central theme in Interstellar is the tension between the need to be grounded in one’s heritage, in one’s roots, and the desire to transcend them. Cooper embodies this duality, torn between his deep love for his family and his insatiable drive to explore space. This theme is poignantly demonstrated in his relationship with his daughter, Murphy, and his desire to help humanity survive by discovering a new inhabitable planet to replace our dying one.
Cooper’s heartfelt monologue about humanity’s need to look to the stars while staying connected to its roots is a powerful testament about finding a balance between exploration and home.
- Hope and Salvation.
Amidst the bleak prospects of a dying Earth, the film offers a story of hope and salvation. The missions Lazarus and Endurance symbolise humanity’s relentless quest for survival and redemption. The film’s hopeful message is encapsulated in the journey to find a new home for humanity, or, at least, a vast sample of the human genome, underscoring our resilience and optimism as a species. The awe-inspiring launch of the Endurance mission serves as a metaphor for the leap of faith required to seek out new beginnings and instill a sense of hope in the face of extinction.
- The Importance of Heritage.
Interstellar pays homage, through the sci-fi genre, to the past while looking to the future. This theme of honouring our roots and heritage is woven in throughout the film, from its references to literary classics to the cinematic techniques reminiscent of earlier masterpieces. By doing so, Nolan not only celebrates the wisdom of those who came before us, but also celebrates the power and guidance that stories are capable of offering us, if we are to avoid destruction.
The inclusion of books like The Stand by Stephen King in Murphy’s room and the visual nods to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey enrich the narrative, reminding us of the legacy that shapes our present and our future.
- Enduring Love.
But at its core, Interstellar is a story about love, a love that transcends time, space, and our limited understanding about the nature of our reality—such as the number of dimensions that truly exist. The bond between Cooper and his daughter Murphy is long and unbreakable—a thread that stitches the narrative together, showing the profound impact of love on human destiny. This theme is most powerfully expressed through their interactions and the sacrifices Cooper for humanity.
The gut-wrenching scene where Cooper leaves Murph, promising to return, is proof of the power of love that drives him to get back home and fulfill his promise to her. It drives his actions throughout the film, ultimately reuniting them from across the vistas of space and time.
Interstellar, then, challenges us to contemplate humanity’s place in the universe through its exploration of profound themes and masterful storytelling. It is a film that will continue to endure because it reveals the core of what it means to be human.
Summary
Use the great themes in your stories—truth, survival, heritage, values, and love to explore the best in human nature, so that we may avoid the worst.
