The sound of loneliness – Spaceman

I felt that Spaceman was as true an introduction to something alien as any film can be, in several ways. First of all, it is set in a lonely space capsule far out in the solar system. Jakub Prochazka is on a solo mission to discover the meaning behind a large cosmic phenomenon that intrigues scientists all over Earth. Czechia has won the technological race, and as such sends their citizen on the mission headed by the Czech state.

Almost as alien is casting Adam Sandler as lead; especially for those still smarting from his more well-known lowbrow buffoon roles. We’ve always known the guy can act from Punch Drunk Love and Reign Over Me, and he makes a good fist of this role. Perhaps that the audience ultimately has to relate warmly to a grotesque giant spider, forgiving Sandler for his previous roles is easy be comparison.

Only the land that produced Kafka could create such empathy, even love, for a hideous, huge arachnid; one supposes the logical next step for the few that sympathised with Gregor Samsa after his Metamorphosis.

The spider itself elicits an initial reaction from Jakub that many of us might make, that is to blast the industrial bug spray throughout the ship. His immediate assumption is that Hanus (pronouced “Hanoush”, as the spider is later named), is a lethal danger. This is soon found out to be quite the error, as Hanus, immune to all puny human threats, turns out to be benevolent, wise and kind. In fact Hanus helps Jakub through some of his most painful internal questions. The most tender moment is a heartfelt hug between the two, which to me is a major feat in storytelling to pull off.

The ambient sonic drone of the ship supports the narrative of monotony and routine. Interestingly, Hanus loves the mechanical thrums and groans that we find almost aurally intolerable. This device enhances our dislike for Hanus early on, along with its somewhat intimidating behaviour and lines. As interestingly, Hanus is able to move about the ship in complete silence. As a sound designer I can’t help wondering what it might have sounded like, if its effects were allowed to play.

The dialogue also deserves an honourable mention. A very wordy film, packed with soul searching and philosophy, Spaceman’s dialogue is almost always gentle and quiet. Hanus has learned to speak English, and does so via voice actor Paul Dano’s dulcet delivery. The range of emotions expressed from sinister, to desperately lonely, to devastated, and of course love and affection all in this soft quietude are testament to Johan Renck‘s fine direction, and the dialogue editors’ careful work.