To start my blog I chose to review one of my personal favourite films. ‘District 9’ (2009) directed by Neil Blomkamp is like Marmite – you love it, or hate it. For many sci-fi fans this was just the kick to the system that the genre needed – with dull sequels, prequels and remakes being released on a constant basis. Being unique in style and content, as well as having a team of independent film makers this message really spoke out about issues in South Africa, and the racism that occurs – only with aliens.
The film starts as a documentary – quite an off-putting thing for most modern audiences and quite confusing to the first time viewer. We see the main character explore what is in truth a alien slum. I remember the first time I saw the first five minutes of the shaky and gritty imagery. And it blew my mind. Immediately I felt pity for these creepily formed “prawn” like aliens. What strikes me most about this feature is the sheer pity for the aliens – defying the typical Hollywood stereotype of the invading aliens taking over the world and controlling our minds. This goes much deeper. The aliens are outcast. Their children are being killed and hunted. But they are intelligent. And they just want to go home.
Sharlto Copley does an amazing job of showing the transformation of a man in dire need. Infected with (what I assume is) Prawn DNA, Wikus invests in the help of two aliens, including a child. The change in his attitude is astonishing – he loses everything he ever cared about – some may say rightly so. But the friendship that forms is really what this film is about.
I believe, at the core of all sci-fi, human emotions and situations are ten times more important than any special effect, CGI or highly strung explosion sequences. The bond these two character – one human with no morals or care for anyone but himself, and one alien whose a caring father and helpful to others. This is an ultimate double act. Its an emotional roller-coaster that really makes you feel pity for how selfish and ignorant the human race can be.
The fact that this was also an independent film – with a low budget is astonishing. It showed audiences what sci fi should really be about. Not hugely expensive special effects and visuals but at it’s heart a story about people. ‘District 9’ does look amazing but what really shines through is performance and good story telling.
If the fact that the special effects, action and make-up is not enough, the story is brilliant and really makes this film stand out as a diamond in the piles and piles of rough – and lifts science fiction out of its pre-packaged boredom into a new generation of interesting and unique piece of cinematic art.
– Victoria
FILMOPSY 