Matt’s “District 9″ Review

I’ve long been anticipating Neill Blomkamp’s first feature film, at first it was in hopes of a Halo film adaption, but it turns out that his own universe is just as (if not more) compelling. He creates a fictional reality where a giant, alien craft has flown to earth and is hovering over the city of Johannesburg. The aliens are brought down to earth, and this begins a co-existence of human and alien life within this urban environment. He develops several layers of political, social, and corporate conflict.

It’s this world that Neill Blomkamp constructs that lends this movie such a strong personality. This isn’t some universe far, far away: this is our very planet. Instead of making this an action film that pits humans versus a technologically superior alien race, it’s more of a drama that questions all sorts of interesting facets of the alien’s existence and presence. It speaks to many, very human conflicts that we’re very familiar with in today’s world. And because of this unique approach, the movie is actually far more interesting than I had first suspected.

The cinematography works very well in this film. At some points it constructs it as a documentary, and they have employed the “shaky cam” very well to give it this vibe. The quick cuts, the gritty camera work, and the fast action add to the experience. It helps ground the entire move experience into this new world, and you really get to see this world from another angle. This isn’t some farfetched, epic space adventure; it’s much more focused and interesting.

There is a real cunning is how District 9 hops around to a few separate genres, not sticking with the specifics of any single one. It has some mystery, it has drama, it has action, it has suspense, it has survival, and some adventure. You go from average workplace, to the slums of District 9, to your normal middle-class home, to frightening and haunting hidden underground labs. You never get a feeling that the movie is stale – it changes locations and its style too frequently. It’s a fast-moving movie, perhaps even too fast moving at some points.

The first half of the film is constructed contains most of the documentary, but it’s filled with mystery, suspense, and even a bit of action. You meet the characters, you understand a bit about who and what these aliens are, you learn all about the plot of land that is “District 9.” You start to understand the multiple different factions, motivations, and just as you start to get a feel for where things are going, the movie suddenly changes pace. It picks up, you get more action, and you get to see everything you’ve already learned from a different light. There’s a real contrast – and it makes the movie question assumptions you had already just made.

Despite the spectacular filmmaking, the great pacing, the dynamic blend of genres, believable (and unique) locations, and its amazingly well put together universe – there’s a single feature that really stands out. It’s the main character: Wikus.  He is your average Joe, a middle-class worker who simply exists. The audience can immediately relate to him, from the boring job, politics at the workplace, and a bland nine-to-five lifestyle. But what really projects is his emotion, which is really spot on. It’s hard to explain how Wikus is so likeable, but Sharlto Copley does a great job of projecting the hero. It’s because he, really, is no different from you or I.

There is a real special place in my heart of the action in this movie. It remains grounded and realistic. It is also gory, violent, and quick. The special effects are simply stunning. It even overshadowed Star Trek, for me, in terms of his spectacular action moments. I was definitely left craving more action, but as the movie ramps up, the gritty and intense action also picks up. And it’s a very welcoming climax to this amazing film.

I’ve sung my praises, but there are a few complaints. It’s hard to fully flesh out my arguments without giving away too much. But there are a few moments in this movie that feel dragged out and uninspired. Essentially, you were just waiting for the next thing to happen. These transitional scenes were nothing special, and could have used more content.

My other complaint was the relationship between Wikus and his wife, Tania. While it was definitely a driving, important force for Wikus, this relationship was never really highlighted or given enough attention. You never were really sure about where his wife stood or what she thought. However, at the end of the movie, he looks at a photo of her, his voice goes soft, and he talks about how special she is. And that really projects this feeling of love that was missing throughout the rest of the movie. Then I just felt like a jerk for ever doubting about how much he loved her.

I would say District 9 is my new favorite film this year. As much fun as Star Trek was, and as hilarious and unique as Inglorious Basterds is, it was District 9 that really hit it home for me. It had great acting, strong visuals, and this beautifully constructed world. You really get sunk into and absorbed by this movie experience. The entire movie, universe, and plot seem plausible and stunningly real. As soon as the credits rolled, I wanted more. I am already eagerly anticipating the sequel. Do yourself a favor: go out and watch this movie. Even if you are not a science fiction fan, you are going to love this movie.

Trailer

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