Elysium

District 9 was one of THE most critically acclaimed motion pictures of 2009.  It received 4 nominations including Best Motion Picture at the Academy Awards in 2010.  Why are we taking a few lines to mention District 9? Because, South African director Neill Blomkamp is back with yet another science fiction movie that may not get the best of points for story but will definitely make a mark on visual effects & editing.

“In the late 21^st Century the earth was diseased polluted and vastly over populated.  The earth’s wealthiest inhabitants fled to preserve their way of life - ELYSIUM”.  That is the premise on which Elysium is based.  The rest of the story is based on one man’s attempt to get to Elysium to save his own life.

Max (Matt Damon / Maxwell Perry Cotton) is one of the billions of lesser fortunate people who are left back on earth to fend for themselves.  They live in poverty and under oppression from those in command up above.  Getting to Elysium is not just expensive but near impossible thanks to the security.

Whats more, the secretary – Ms. Delacourt (Jodie Foster) is clear in her stance of being anti-earthlings.  So while the standard procedure is to isolate illegal immigrants and deport them, she believes in blowing them to bits.  Much to the chagrin of her peers, especially President Patel (Faran Tahir).  Delacourt decides to stage a coup but standing in her way is Max – who hijacks a valuable piece of code that can ensure the coup.

There is really nothing great about the story per se.  It is a standard good (read poor) prevailing over evil (read rich) premise that is represented in a slightly different manner. The period provides an opportunity to use special effects to deflect you from the fact that the story is just normal.  Getting the opportunity is one aspect but making the most of it is actually an art in itself.  And Blomkamp does just that.

The special effects are stunning.  The creation of the Elysium as a replica of what used to be the good life on mother earth is superb.  The detailing catches your eye at every stage.  There is in fact very little that the cast can contribute because more often than not, you are caught admiring the effects.

That being said, Jodie Foster in what I believe is her first negative role is superb.  The cold, calculated demeanour actually comes so naturally to her that I actually questioned myself on many an occasion – is this the same person that played Detective Clarise? To me, Foster and the special effects were the highlight of Elysium.  Definitely worth a watch.  Preferably on IMAX. 7 on 10.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4196837657/?ref_=tt_ov_vi