Journey to the Surface of the Earth

This was a rather "interesting" watch in terms of scarcity of plot. Most (those still digging for fire by the time Tobiac reaches -3 or so) will find themselves starving for any tidbit of backstory, and while the film does manage to sneak brief moments of coherent chemistry, I recommend to watch
primarily for the cinematography and especially for the soundtrack.

Like similar films such as Cargo, Chrysalis, Pandorum, etc. this film contains a minimalist plot that requires the lead protagonist to carry the audience further in and it is entirely understandable how some could have been frustrated by this approach. A daub color scheme and quality set design do scream science fiction paradise when they are seen so many are justified when they mention the atmosphere the film creates.

However, this film really shines through in two particular instances of novel directing and stellar sound department work that stand out: when Tobiac is hastily recreating the visual playback log of the first technician, and the entire initial elevator scene with the last botanist. Whereas the former was more necessary than the latter, both displayed the heights of this film's crew and their strengths. Given the absence of backstory, the urgency and intrigue of Tobiac's search for proper backgrounds to watch the recording was incredibly entertaining and is perhaps the true peak of the first act. When he does catch up to the female botanist the elevator scene drastically highlighted the ambience and quality of the soundtrack married with the production design. Although the duality of Tobiac's perception of reality being a pleasant encounter with her, in actuality a violent assault, was an interesting perspective into his changing psychosis, the scene's accompanying soundtrack achieved a greater impact than Michl Britsch's best.

If anything, watch the first 20 mins and the 5 min segment pertaining to the elevator scene for a terrific demonstration of fantastic directing/editing. The film as a whole is open for a higher probability of scrutiny. Given that the entire film steers towards the realization of self and purpose of Tobiac through the dedicated journey torwards the surface, it is a bit disappointing they failed with such a convoluted ending of the actual surface, self, and plot.


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