Another Earth

[Jon Starr]

In ANOTHER EARTH, Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a bright young woman accepted into MIT's astrophysics program, aspires to explore the cosmos. A brilliant composer, John Burroughs (William Mapother), has just reached the pinnacle of his profession and is about to have a second child. On the eve of the discovery of a duplicate Earth, tragedy strikes and the lives of these strangers become irrevocably intertwined.

Seems to be part sci-fi, part minimalist indie drama. I love the premise.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/anotherearth/

 

[David Jimerson]

I think it's probably pretty light on the sci-fi and quite heavy on the indy drama.

 

[Mark Harris]

I'd probably see this. The trailer is kind of heavy on the sap-factor. And it's material they cover on Fringe regularly, but...would still give it a shot.

But the other Earth is closer than the moon? Really guys?

 

[David Jimerson]

I'd probably see this. The trailer is kind of heavy on the sap-factor. And it's material they cover on Fringe regularly, but...would still give it a shot.

But the other Earth is closer than the moon? Really guys?

Yeah, was going to mention that, and that I'd go with parallel universes over this, but meh. It is what it is. It's apparently just a Macguffin, anyway -- the point seems to be the introspection about how one has lived one's life.

The other Earth isn't necessarily closer than the Moon (though it makes you wonder about that Earth's Moon), but it certainly is close enough that both planets and both Moons would be severely affected.

 

[Nektonic]

You know, I have been thinking that no one does much with the idea of parallel universes or alternate realities in fiction or in the movies these days. We've got tons of vampire, zombie, superhero, and alien invasion themed sci-fi being rammed into our eye sockets. The parallel universe is a great sci-fi concept that doesn't really have a big movie or novel that sort of defines that sub genre. Vampires have Dracula. Zombies have the Romero films. Space operas have Star Wars and Star Trek. Superheros have tons of iconic Marvel and DC characters that define that genre. Parallel universe concepts are pretty open to exploration without stepping on the heels of already established fictional properties.

As for this film, it does look kinda interesting. I do think the fact that there is literally another Earth up there in the sky with the Moon, while visually it is neat, seems kinda silly. I mean, how the hell is this other Earth even there? Did it come through a wormhole or something? And if so, how would the people of this second Earth get the planet to go through the wormhole with current technology? That is even if they could, why would they?

We can barely get back to the Moon now as it is. How the hell will we get to this Earth 2? Wouldn't present day society panic to the point that our economy and social order collapses before we can even get to this other Earth? Or the majority of us would be indifferent to it after the story ran its course through the modern day media machine. That would be more interesting than the old sci-fi concept of, hey we found this other planet and we can suddenly build a space ship to go there. It is fun for a movie because it is easy to write that "Earth builds spaceship to alien world", but also so unbelievable in terms of how people and society would react to something like this. If this movie were not trying to be the next important indie drama, and instead had some fun with this concept, then maybe it would go down easier with me. But when they try to pass it off as a realistic drama, I just feel kinda like they think most people that would be interested in a parallel universe story are stupid and will swallow this without question. *

And if they are going this route, having literally another Earth visible up in the sky, I say go full on wild and crazy with that concept. Why have it be a nearly identical analogue to our Earth? I know they didn't have a big budget, but when I see stuff in the trailer like the woman looking at her ticket to Earth 2 I feel like I want to see an expedition to a strange planet that is has flora and fauna that developed along a completely alternate evolutionary path compared to that of our own Earth's evolutionary development. I mean, there are such amazing possibilities for this concept, but it ends up sort of being a mundane reality drama type of film.

* I will also admit that I am a bit miffed after seeing this trailer, because I have a really cool idea for a more imaginative parallel universe film, but now with this and Fringe out, I'd just be seen as a hack copycat. Arrgghhhh! I just can't win!

 

[randin]

I saw it at Sundance. Won't be seeing it again. It's a great effort as a first indie narrative feature for many of the people involved, though, so if you watch it with that in mind it's okay. As you guys quickly spotted it's definitely science FICTION. The director/co-writer acknowledges that there's no hard science to it and everyone speaking at the premiere and the science in film panel he was on said it doesn't matter as long as you tell a good story. I for one think that if you're going to base your drama on Earth in the current day, you should at least make it remotely plausible for your audience to really get into it. They could have told the exact same story in many other ways... but then wouldn't have the 'Another Earth' hook.

One other thing - while watching it, I thought, "what's with all the long scenes, sometimes slo-mo, of the young star, just walking or sitting around being thoughtful? Did she also write and produce it or something?" Sure enough, she was co-writer/producer/star. The result is a film clearly engineered as a starring vehicle for her.

 

[David Jimerson]

More than 70 Earths spinning about the galaxy, and the meek have inherited not a one.

Exact duplicates of Earth were done in Journey to the Far Side of the Sun and "Miri." It never really makes any sense. But again, it's not really the point.

 

[Nektonic]

I saw it at Sundance. Won't be seeing it again. It's a great effort as a first indie narrative feature for many of the people involved, though, so if you watch it with that in mind it's okay. As you guys quickly spotted it's definitely science FICTION. The director/co-writer acknowledges that there's no hard science to it and everyone speaking at the premiere and the science in film panel he was on said it doesn't matter as long as you tell a good story. I for one think that if you're going to base your drama on Earth in the current day, you should at least make it remotely plausible for your audience to really get into it. They could have told the exact same story in many other ways... but then wouldn't have the 'Another Earth' hook.

Do they explore the notion of any of the characters from Earth 1 finding their doppelganger on Earth 2 a very different version of themselves? I've always loved the idea that if someone goes to a parallel universe that is close to their own, but would they then find a version of themselves that is wildly different in this alternate universe? Or in this film is literally everything on Earth 2 an exact duplicate of stuff from our Earth?

One other thing - while watching it, I thought, "what's with all the long scenes, sometimes slo-mo, of the young star, just walking or sitting around being thoughtful? Did she also write and produce it or something?" Sure enough, she was co-writer/producer/star. The result is a film clearly engineered as a starring vehicle for her.

Ugh. Lots of slow introspective scenes of the character doing nothing but thinking are pretty annoying.

More than 70 Earths spinning about the galaxy, and the meek have inherited not a one.

Exact duplicates of Earth were done in Journey to the Far Side of the Sun and "Miri." It never really makes any sense. But again, it's not really the point.

This idea of a duplicate Earth sorta reminds me of Lars Von Trier's upcoming film Melancholia.

In it there seems to be a rogue planet that was hiding behind the Sun, although not another Earth or maybe not even a planet with life on it.

 

[Batutta]

You know, I have been thinking that no one does much with the idea of parallel universes or alternate realities in fiction or in the movies these days.

There was the movie Sliding Doors a few years back. Also the Star Trek episode Mirror, Mirror is one of the best of the original series. And then there was that series Sliders. Oh, and don't forget that masterpiece, The One...I'm joking here obviously.

 

[Nektonic]

There was the movie Sliding Doors a few years back. Also the Star Trek episode Mirror, Mirror is one of the best of the original series. And then there was that series Sliders. Oh, and don't forget that masterpiece, The One...I'm joking here obviously.

Yeah, Sliders was a fun series. And of course there are the Star Trek and probably a decent number of Twilight Zone episodes dealing with the concept. In terms of a series or film that really focuses on parallel universes as its primary motif, not many big iconic ones come to mind besides Fringe and Sliders. The One was pretty silly. I don't count it as using the parallel universe motif in a great or really fascinating way. It seemed like they wanted a Matrix-like film with Jet Li vs. Jet Li. They could just as easily used cloning to arrive at the same basic point where two Jet Li's fight each other.

Maybe I should just cave in and write zombie-vampire-porn at this rate?

 

[David Jimerson]

This idea of a duplicate Earth sorta reminds me of Lars Von Trier's upcoming film Melancholia.

In it there seems to be a rogue planet that was hiding behind the Sun, although not another Earth or maybe not even a planet with life on it.

Looks to be one of those "what do you do when you know the world's ending soon?" stories. Did one myself several years ago. A premise like this is useful because the end is coming through no one's fault so no one's to blame -- no thorny external issues.

 

[randin]

Do they explore the notion of any of the characters from Earth 1 finding their doppelganger on Earth 2 a very different version of themselves? I've always loved the idea that if someone goes to a parallel universe that is close to their own, but would they then find a version of themselves that is wildly different in this alternate universe? Or in this film is literally everything on Earth 2 an exact duplicate of stuff from our Earth?

I won't exactly answer that to not spoil the film before its wide release. I really want to answer it, though, as it relates to one of my criticisms of the film! I'll just say that, yes, that is a question that is brought up. The director/co-writer said these kind of questions were in fact the whole inspiration for the film in the first place.

But... wow, I hadn't watched the Melancholia trailer yet. Since it's not a major spoiler, but something that happenings at the very beginning of Another Earth, I'll say, that's how they do it, too! The other Earth has been in the same orbit on the opposite side of the sun. They don't address why this balance shifts. But for those of you wondering, that's where it comes from. No wormholes or anything intentional on the part of either Earth's residents. As David said, it's just the MacGuffin anyway.

 

[Nektonic]

Looks to be one of those "what do you do when you know the world's ending soon?" stories. Did one myself several years ago. A premise like this is useful because the end is coming through no one's fault so no one's to blame -- no thorny external issues.

Yeah, these can be interesting. I've always thought someone should do sort of the anti-thesis to Armageddon and Deep Impact. Instead of it being about the brave astronauts saving the world, it would be about how society literally breaks down and tears itself apart because of the knowledge that there is nothing we can do to stop whatever world-ending catastrophe is coming.

The other Earth has been in the same orbit on the opposite side of the sun. They don't address why this balance shifts. But for those of you wondering, that's where it comes from. No wormholes or anything intentional on the part of either Earth's residents. As David said, it's just the MacGuffin anyway.

Wow, that is really fuzzy science if it is an exact duplicate Earth hiding behind the sun. If there ever were such a thing as an exact duplicate Earth, then it would have to be from a parallel universe. This is the only way it would be possible because maybe there is an alternate time-line that branched off but hasn't diverged too drastically from our own. Even then, some things would be different yet just maybe not apparent right away.

Not that I am saying there definitely are parallel universes, just that if it were remotely possible, the odds of an exact duplicate co-evolving beside us are literally impossible. This is why I said before that if the concept of a duplicate Earth existing in the same realm of time and space as our Earth, it would only make sense that it would be almost an alien world due to the flora and fauna having divergent evolutionary paths.

 

[dcarstens]

A few reviews have commented on the production value being fairly rough and distracting. Is this a DSLR film? Seems to have the contrasty look.

 

[randin]

Yeah, these can be interesting. I've always thought someone should do sort of the anti-thesis to Armageddon and Deep Impact. Instead of it being about the brave astronauts saving the world, it would be about how society literally breaks down and tears itself apart because of the knowledge that there is nothing we can do to stop whatever world-ending catastrophe is coming.

There's always more stories to be told, but I'd put 'Children of Men' in this category.

Is this a DSLR film? Seems to have the contrasty look.

I doubt it. It wasn't dazzling or anything and won't win any cinematography awards, but it looked fine, and I saw it HUGE in a 1200 seat venue.

 

[Nektonic]

A few reviews have commented on the production value being fairly rough and distracting. Is this a DSLR film? Seems to have the contrasty look.

It looked like HD to me, but not DSLR.

There's always more stories to be told, but I'd put 'Children of Men' in this category.

I love Children of Men. Great dystopic sci-fi film.

Although, funny that it comes up as I was talking with my brother last night about Children of Men, and we came to the conclusion that if the human race became sterile, then wouldn't there be a worldwide initiative to figure out human cloning? It was 18 years since the last child was born at the beginning of the film, so you would think that it would have been figured out and they would have started cloning people by then. Although, there was that secret group working on some project to figure out a cure or something, so maybe they were in fact working on human cloning and the filmmakers just never bothered to fill us in on that fact.

I bet we have human cloning as an industry before we have more manned missions to the Moon, or an alternate Earth for that matter.

 

[David Jimerson]

The other Earth has been in the same orbit on the opposite side of the sun. They don't address why this balance shifts. But for those of you wondering, that's where it comes from. No wormholes or anything intentional on the part of either Earth's residents. As David said, it's just the MacGuffin anyway.

Yeah, it doesn't seem to matter, any more than it matters how warp drive works -- it just does; you accept it and move on with the story.

But an exact duplicate of the Earth on the other side of the sun is the premise of Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, except there it's an actual mirror world where everything happens exactly the same, it's just literally a mirror image. Everything's reversed.

(All this, of course, would mean that the planets would appear differently in the sky, and things as simple as the Zodiac being different would cause significant divergences in historical events, but hey.)

 

[Nektonic]

Yeah, it doesn't seem to matter, any more than it matters how warp drive works -- it just does; you accept it and move on with the story.

But an exact duplicate of the Earth on the other side of the sun is the premise of Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, except there it's an actual mirror world where everything happens exactly the same, it's just literally a mirror image. Everything's reversed.

(All this, of course, would mean that the planets would appear differently in the sky, and things as simple as the Zodiac being different would cause significant divergences in historical events, but hey.)

Then wouldn't there also be a mirror Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto? Is there a mirror Sun, a mirror asteroid belt and a mirror Oort Cloud as well?

I don't know what it is about this mirror world idea that bugs me so much. I am fine with a warp or hyperspace drive in all the space operas that use them to travel between star systems. Maybe it is because we've had the concept of fast space travel via hyperspace, as improbable as it is, around for long enough that it doesn't call a lot of attention to itself unless an author or filmmaker directly mentions it.

 

[David Jimerson]

Then wouldn't there also be a mirror Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto? Is there a mirror Sun, a mirror asteroid belt and a mirror Oort Cloud as well?

No, because we'd be able to see them from here. The only thing that (apparently) kept this Earth obscured was that it was always on the other side of the sun. (Not that its gravitational effects couldn't be observed.)

 

[Mark Harris]

No, because we'd be able to see them from here. The only thing that (apparently) kept this Earth obscured was that it was always on the other side of the sun. (Not that its gravitational effects couldn't be observed.)

If you want to get nit-picky though, we would have known about it all along due to Newton's laws. We account for pretty much everything in the solar system of any size to a pretty exact precision. That's how come we can gravity-assist our probes and stuff and basically hit a hole in one from 500 million miles. This is also how we know the famed Planet-X theories are bunk.

I get the McGuffin, but when it's just such basic science being violated without even a cursory attempt at trying, I get bothered. It's MUCH easier for me to buy a parallel universe because at the moment we have no way of knowing that such a thing can even exist. So it's like magic and I'll roll with it. But this 2nd Earth stuff in 2011 just assumes we're all stupid.

Now I'm pissed! On second thought I don't think I will see this movie!

I had the same issues with the new Star Trek. Skydiving into the atmosphere from space? yeah cool, but no friction? Even Futurama has friction on re-entry.