Elysium Review
RYAN: I don’t know what had me more more excited about this movie – that it’s the new film from Neill Blomkamp, the guy who did District 9, or Jodie Foster!
CAROLINE: They are both good draws. District 9 made quite an impact when it came out. How does this one compare?
RYAN: It’s not as genius as that film was. But it’s still smart and intriguing – though more so in theme and politics than actually in intensity of film. There are some gripping moments but it doesn’t hit you as hard in the chest or emotionally as his last film.
CAROLINE: So what do you make of Elysium?
RYAN: It’s good, not great. I love sci fi and this has the typical set-up: A dystopian future with an underdog hero.
CAROLINE: And that’s Matt Damon?
RYAN: Yep and he’s consistently good. I love an underdog story and he certainly has a ton of fight in him. He’s tatted up and in phenom shape in this role and his character is really fighting for survival so the stakes are high. But there’s a major lack of connection with emotion for some reason. It’s strange becuase in District 9, you really cared for some aliens and characters – and it’s that emotional connection that took it to the next level. Elysium is all there stylistically and story-wise but doesn’t make you care as much.
CAROLINE: Maybe you’ve just become hardened.
RYAN: [laughs’ That’s it. No, it just isn’t as brilliant. I do love all of the politics going on between the systems – the rich versus the poor, Elysium versus Earth. It’s a gritty look at what could happen as these extremes become more so.
CAROLINE: How’s Jodie and her bob?
RYAN: I love her hair and her slick suits. She works a nouveau accent in this and gets to speak some French, which she actually speaks, so that’s cool. She’s fantastic. Of course, I wished for more of her. She’s in a supporting role.
CAROLINE: Is it hardcore sci fi? Like, would I find it hard to follow?
RYAN: No it’s user-friendly sci fi. There are some gross effects though; some gore that reminds you of the faces melting at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Matt’s spine application was pretty grusome too.
CAROLINE: Ew that’s so gross. And the South African actor from District 9 is in this one too. Isn’t he bff’s with the director?
RYAN: Sharlto Copley – yes, and he’s good but I had a hard time understanding him a bit in this. His accent is thick.
CAROLINE: That’s not good.
RYAN: The theme of inequality in this movie was very aggravating – and to an extent our world is like that. In Elysium, there are machines that cure and heal anything, instantly, but only the rich people get to use them. Outrageous!
CAROLINE: Was it very suspenseful?
RYAN: Somewhat and that’s when the film most succeeds, because, again, it really lacks heart for some reason. There’s even a subplot of friendship and the attempt to save a mother and child, but you just don’t really care.
CAROLINE: That’s too bad.
RYAN: It’s definitely better than Oblivion was earlier this year, but it didn’t turn out the way awesome sci fi movies need to be. I left feeling pretty flat. I enjoyed it and it’s not a total waste, but it’s not a must see either.
