Being honest, when I first saw the trailer for this film featuring Dennis in the cardboard box I wasn't too enthused to watch it - quirky, cutsie kids can so very easily annoy me! But Martian Child soon allayed my concerns and the film that followed turned out to be an astute commentary on love, life and the difficulties of parenthood. Importantly, the film places understanding and compassion high on its list of essential paternal qualities: espousing the opinion that whilst it may be questionable to consider getting pregnant in the first place and bringing a child into such a harsh world, there can be no questioning the logic of loving a child that is already here. And for that child, especially one who has already been through so much hurt, it's important to understand the route of his alien fixation - his belief that one day he will simply float up and disappear out of this world, just like the others that have already played a fleeting part in his short life. And for the adults watching too, there's a nice reminder that "maybe it's (life) not supposed to be easy; maybe the ones that have it easy are missing part of the adventure". It's good writing. As is the overall message regarding the imperative to confront one's problems, and, to quote Winston Churchill: to "Never, never, never, never, never... give up!". Of the downsides, there are just a couple; the film feature a couple of new-age references to 'zen' and 'yogis' and also little issue was made of the fact that David is a single-parent seeking to adopt; which though not reason enough to deny a child a loving home, is not an ideal situation. However, Harlee's (Amanda Peet) continued presence is implicit awareness of the importance of both a mother and father figure in the child's life, and ultimately the importance of families. |
