Ridley Scott’s 2015 movie The Martian, which grossed over $600 million globally, stands as one of his most notable achievements. Despite its critical acclaim and Scott’s first Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards, the film’s classification as a comedy at the 2016 Golden Globes sparked curiosity. The question arose: how could a tense sci-fi survival story with barely any jokes be deemed a comedy? According to Ridley Scott, it truly fits that category.
Ridley Scott Explains Why The Martian Is a Comedy
Scott recently discussed his work with Paul Mescal on the upcoming film The Dog Stars in an interview with GQ, relating how both projects required changes to clarify their narratives. He noted that while The Dog Stars might seem dull when summarized as an end-of-the-world survivors story, the same applied to The Martian before he realized it should be viewed as a comedy. He said,
“How on earth could anything where you survive by growing vegetables from your own shit not be funny?”
Ridley Scott.
Though The Martian is grounded in survival, it differs from darker dramas like The Revenant or The Road by incorporating moments of absurdity rather than bleak despair. Matt Damon’s character, Mark Watney, even uses his own waste to cultivate a potato garden on Mars, an unusual detail that adds an ironic twist. While it may not provoke outright laughter, this humor sets it apart from more serious contenders in the comedy category, such as The Big Short and others nominated that year.
Star-Studded Cast Adds Unexpected Humor
The film’s ensemble includes several performers known for their comedic talent, making it harder to perceive the movie as purely dramatic. Jessica Chastain and Chiwetel Ejiofor bring gravitas, but actors like Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Michael Peña, and Donald Glover have strong comedy backgrounds. Sebastian Stan and Benedict Wong, familiar from their roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are known to deliver witty lines, while Sean Bean has a memorable humorous moment in The Lord of the Rings. Kate Mara’s previous work in the comedy Friendship also contributes to this complex tonal blend. This mix of actors and the film’s subtle humor gives The Martian a comedic layer alongside the science fiction and survival elements.
Ridley Scott’s candid remarks clarify that the comedic aspect was intentional from the start, not an accidental interpretation years later. For those seeking a mix of tension and humor, The Martian remains widely accessible, including on streaming platforms like Netflix.
