Movie Review
Finally putting an end to a tiring chain of mindless "Science Fiction" movies like the Transformers films and the recently released G.I.JOE film, director Neill Blomkamp provides movie-goers with a bizzare but power-packed experience with his debut film, District 9.
District 9 is the name allocated to a large refugee camp in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is used solely for the purpose of accomodating a horde of extra-terrestrial creatures from a starship which had mysteriously appeared over the city in 1990. The aliens are forced to live in slum-like conditions on earth, where they are confined and exploited inhumanely for extra-terrestrial research. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. During the operation, Wikus is accidentally exposed to an alien chemical, which leads to drastic changes in his DNA.
The film opens with a documentary-style series of interviews that introduce the situation. This creates an atmosphere rarely before seen in sci-fi films, where the content presented almost gains a sense of realism and credibility. Gradually, however, the drama sets in, followed by the chaotic action. The audience is jolted into the very heart of District 9, and there is no character they can even slightly relate to. This is where Blomkamp gets to insert a poignant and transformative character arc, which,these days, is saying a lot for a blockbuster actioner. The shaky-cam is heavily employed, which only adds to the overall feeling of melancholy and disorder in the film. The action is intense; and even when there are no bullets flying, the brilliant visuals create a stark tension. There hardly exists a face in the film that is not completely unknown; still, Sharlto Copley's performance as Wikus van der Merwe is tangibly emphatic.
Although not completely devoid of minor Hollywood cliches, District 9 is a brutal and electrifying experience, where even the strong violence doesn't prove to be a distraction, from the beautiful and heart-wrenching finale. The lack of subtlety in trying to establish its political correctness notwithstanding, District 9 works more as a social commentary on the apartheid than anything else.
District 9 is the name allocated to a large refugee camp in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is used solely for the purpose of accomodating a horde of extra-terrestrial creatures from a starship which had mysteriously appeared over the city in 1990. The aliens are forced to live in slum-like conditions on earth, where they are confined and exploited inhumanely for extra-terrestrial research. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. During the operation, Wikus is accidentally exposed to an alien chemical, which leads to drastic changes in his DNA.
The film opens with a documentary-style series of interviews that introduce the situation. This creates an atmosphere rarely before seen in sci-fi films, where the content presented almost gains a sense of realism and credibility. Gradually, however, the drama sets in, followed by the chaotic action. The audience is jolted into the very heart of District 9, and there is no character they can even slightly relate to. This is where Blomkamp gets to insert a poignant and transformative character arc, which,these days, is saying a lot for a blockbuster actioner. The shaky-cam is heavily employed, which only adds to the overall feeling of melancholy and disorder in the film. The action is intense; and even when there are no bullets flying, the brilliant visuals create a stark tension. There hardly exists a face in the film that is not completely unknown; still, Sharlto Copley's performance as Wikus van der Merwe is tangibly emphatic.
Although not completely devoid of minor Hollywood cliches, District 9 is a brutal and electrifying experience, where even the strong violence doesn't prove to be a distraction, from the beautiful and heart-wrenching finale. The lack of subtlety in trying to establish its political correctness notwithstanding, District 9 works more as a social commentary on the apartheid than anything else.
No comments:
Post a Comment