OVERLAY REPORT

In the film *The Martian* (2015), the title holds deep thematic significance beyond the literal fact that the story takes place on Mars. While characters rarely use the exact phrase "the Martian" as a nickname for Mark Watney, the title represents his transition from a temporary visitor to the planet's first permanent human "resident." ### Significance of the Title The title signifies **colonization through survival.** In the film, Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) evolves from an astronaut on a mission to an individual who has "become" Martian by necessity. This is highlighted by several factors: * **The Act of Colonizing:** Watney explicitly justifies the title when he manages to grow potatoes in the habitat. He notes that agriculture is the traditional hallmark of colonization. * **Biological Adaptation:** To survive, Watney must merge his human biology with the Martian environment. He uses Martian soil and "manure" (human waste) to create life, effectively becoming part of the planet's ecosystem. * **Duration and Presence:** While his crew members were only intended to stay for 31 sols, Watney ends up living on the planet for over 500 sols (nearly two years), making him the first human to experience the planet as a "home" rather than a workplace. ### Direct References and Dialogue No character in the film refers to Mark Watney as "**The Martian**" in direct dialogue. Instead, the title serves as a meta-label for the audience. However, characters reference the *concept* behind the title through specific lines: * **Mark Watney (Colonization):** He directly addresses the significance of his presence on the planet: > "They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially 'colonized' it. So, technically, I colonized Mars. In your face, Neil Armstrong!" * **The "First" Status:** Watney often reflects on being the first person to achieve various milestones on the planet, reinforcing his identity as its sole inhabitant: > "Everywhere I go, I'm the first. Step outside the rover? First guy ever to be there! Climb a hill? First guy to climb that hill." * **Other Monikers:** Instead of "The Martian," characters and the media use other titles. In the film, CNN creates a special daily broadcast titled **"The Mark Watney Report."** Watney also famously gives himself the title of **"Space Pirate"** near the end of the film, arguing that because Mars is "international waters" and he is taking a craft without permission, he qualifies as one under maritime law. * **The "Greatest" Botanist:** Watney also humorously claims the planet as his own: > "I don't want to come off as arrogant here, but I'm the greatest botanist on this planet." (The irony being that he is the *only* botanist on the planet). In summary, the title **The Martian** is a descriptor of Watney's unique status as the only human to ever truly "live" on Mars, a status he validates through his claim of having "colonized" it, though the characters themselves primarily refer to him by name or through his self-appointed titles like "Space Pirate."