As one of the most well-known sci-fi films, Interstellar has always been an all-time favourite of mine.  I still remember the first time I watched it I did not even understand the stories, but I was somehow still obsessed with it. Now after a few years of studying in media, I gradually realised that the success of Interstellar is based on outstanding film techniques. In this post, I will discuss some of the editing techniques by unpacking the cornfield chase scene. 

Despite the phenomenal soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer, the cornfield chase scene is well-constructed in terms of presenting the story with the three-act structure (setup – confrontation – resolution). The sequence starts with Cooper’s family venturing out, there is a smart sound design at 00:13 of the clip, where the sound of Murphy shifting gears in a hurry causing a mechanical jam is perfectly combined with the sound of a punctured tyre in the next frame. Visually, these two frames are very different as they focus on different objects and there is a high contrast of colour temperature between the inside and outside of the car. However, the transition seems to be smoother by linking the sound effects which provides viewers with a better viewing experience. The use of the extreme wide shot in the next frame is to show the overall peaceful scenery of the cornfield, signifying the upcoming intense plot. Even with an accident like a tyre puncture, the pace of the whole setup is more relaxed and the conversation between Cooper and Murph about Murphy’s Law is more like an interpretation of the unpleasantness that occurred earlier. The confrontation starts with the drone sharply sweeping over Cooper’s head at 01:08 of the clip and the intensity is gradually built up. After Tom asked about the flat tyre at 01:17, it directly cuts to a tracking shot of Copper driving the ute with the flat tyre, which is the perfect answer to Tom’s previous question. 

The confrontation is about Cooper’s family going through the cornfield and chasing the drone, and its intensity is highlighted by the use of the hand-held camera. Most actions that happen inside the car are filmed by the hand-held camera, and the natural camera shake brings a sense of uncertainty to viewers. The part that starts at 01:34 uses a lot of POV shots as well such as showing the info shown on the laptop screen while Cooper was decoding and what Murph sees through the windshield while she was trying to aim at the drone. The use of POV shots boosts the sense of immersion and viewers can actually participate in the chasing. Also, the fast cross-cutting between the drone scene and the inside-the-car scene creates a sense of urgency, making it more intense and keeping viewers’ attention at all times. 

The resolution starts with a medium tracking shot from eye level showing Murph getting off the car and revealing her frustration about losing the drone (02:50), and it cuts to a close-up showing Cooper using the pad to control the drone, and then it is a dirty shoulder shot revealing the drone as it follows Cooper’s finger movements. In the resolution part, shots are cut back and forth with a slow pace in order to manifest the peacefulness after the chaotic chase, and it ends with the drone’s soft landing.

At the very end of the clip, I noticed that the aspect ratio is switched from 1.43:1 (IMAX) back to 2.40:1 (35mm anamorphic). I think the reason for doing this is that 35mm is more suitable for building tensions between characters, just like the reverse cutting of the conversation between Cooper and Murph at the end; whereas previous shots about the cornfield need a higher aspect ratio in order to present the epic scenery at its best, such as the shot of the ute cutting through the cornfield. Also, I think there is a metaphorical layer to this epic scene, as Cooper driving recklessly through the cornfield in pursuit of an unknown drone somehow symbolises the tension between nature and humans when people will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, sometimes to the point of causing ecological damage.

Overall, Interstellar is a great film in terms of utilising various film techniques for the best viewing experience.