The structure is 50% flashback documentary style story-telling and straight forward action CGI but with voyeuristic effect. The lead actor, Sharlto Copely, is a no-name like everyone else in the film, but does a great job nonetheless. We witness his descent into the extra-terrestrial society he is commissioned to sequester in a Post-Apartheid South Africa.
The messages of the film are in no way subtle and aren't meant to be - systemic prejudice and its attendant effects on the victims of it are pointedly explored. We see this sociological study illustrated in Copely's character as he becomes everything (both behaviourally and physically) he was once disgusted by - he is a victim of circumstances forced upon him by the powers that be. The setting is poignant and points not only to the evil of Apartheid but also to prejudice of all sorts especially xenophobia, particularly relevant in a world riddled with war and its resulting refugees. We are left to ponder how inhumane we are to each other in the face of inhumanity to another sentient species. And the main character in losing his humanity, finds it.
Capitalism is also a primary target represented in the all-powerful MNU arms corporation commissioned to relocate the extra-terrestrial outcasts. This corporation will stop at nothing to seek profit including engage in dehumanizing torture and biological experimentation. D9 takes a swipe at the Nazi's, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (and the rationalization of torture by the Bush Administration), the massive immigration (illegal and otherwise) to First World countries, the role of Western corporations in war torn Africa and the role of media in the pursuit of profit (and by extension injustice), all in one fell swoop.
It ends with very strong hints at a sequel. But unless the same team manages it, there is a very strong likelihood it will disappoint.
The Holes? One never learns why the aliens ended up on earth in the first place, or why they were marooned. Though with access to superior technology and weaponry they never use it (but that may be a testament to human depravity) and there are couple instances of editing that could have been done differently like a fire fight that pauses so the main characters can have a brief but touching conversation. But again, the holes could be filled nicely with a proper follow-up.
Still, an instant classic with all the right ingredients.
Well I think the worst of this movie is that the slum representing District 9 is real, it is not a set. District 9 is the real home of thousands of South Africans.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Emma and perhaps one of the reasons the movie was made - if your attention to the reality of slum living has been piqued then I think the movie has done its job.
ReplyDeleteThe setting, as I mentioned, was specifically chosen for the very reason you highlighted.