Mars Attacks! (1998)
“Nice planet. We'll take it!”
A fleet of Martian spacecraft surrounds the world's major cities and all of humanity waits to see if the extraterrestrial visitors have, as they claim, "come in peace." U.S. President James Dale receives assurance from science professor Donald Kessler that the Martians' mission is a friendly one. But when a peaceful exchange ends in the total annihilation of the U.S. Congress, military men call for a full-scale nuclear retaliation.
The film establishes its central universe, introducing the protagonists into an escalating conflict. Directed by Tim Burton, this opening movement establishes high visual and thematic stakes that set the narrative journey into motion.
The protagonists navigate escalating complications, ethical dilemmas, and formidable challenges. Starring Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, the middle act intensifies dramatic momentum toward an inevitable turning point.
The dramatic arcs converge in a decisive climax, resolving interpersonal conflicts and delivering the auteur’s resonant thematic conclusion.
Jack Nicholson
as President Dale / Art Land
Traylor Howard
as Sharon Carter
Glenn Close
as Marsha Dale
Ryan Reynolds
as Michael 'Berg' Bergen
Annette Bening
as Barbara Land
Richard Ruccolo
as Peter Dunville
Pierce Brosnan
as Donald Kessler
Suzanne Cryer
as Ashley Walker
Danny DeVito
as Rude Gambler
Nathan Fillion
as Johnny Donnelly
Martin Short
as Jerry Ross
Jillian Bach
as Irene
Sarah Jessica Parker
as Nathalie Lake
Michael J. Fox
as Jason Stone
Rod Steiger
as General Decker
Tom Jones
as Tom Jones
Lukas Haas
as Richie Norris
Natalie Portman
as Taffy DaleCinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 45 min |
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Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.
