The emotive sweep of Harry Gregson-Williams's musical score is one thing, but one of the most surprising aspects of The Martian is the soundtrack itself, which features a collection of 80s classics, ranging from the iconic (David Bowie's Starman) to the undeniably cheesy (Donna Summer, ABBA and Gloria Gaynor), all music stored on the Mars vessel by Jessica Chastain's character Lewis, much to Watney's pain. Most fans of Scott probably never expected to see Mars survival montages set to some of the aforementioned artists, but the juxtaposition is weirdly brilliant: it's unlike anything you've ever seen in a movie of this type before, and again helps lighten the dramatic load a little, preventing things from getting too dreary. Best of all, Scott ends the movie with one especially memorable 80s tune, though giving away its title is itself a pretty big spoiler.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
