Exploding Commentary

Rating: 6/10 (5 September 2013)

By first glance at the very first still, I already believed that Elysium will be the best blockbuster of the year; the story isn't based on anything, the concept looks rich, and the character design of Max looks like a potential of a new cinematic icon. With the name Neill Blomkamp, you will know that this is more than a simple high concept. Just like District 9, the story builds a social allegory. Now this one talks about the economy, illegal immigrations, and healthcare. It would have been intriguing, but the film is shaky in its message and somehow more satisfied on being cool, which ends up being a straightforward action movie that has only little development. The rest of it is still quite gripping and stunning, with a vision that is more breathtaking than any blockbuster out there. Elysium is fine for its big ideas, but the context needs more to work out.
The setting is definitely built for satires, though unlike District 9, this one takes them seriously, as in not much humorous. Its cynicism is everywhere, but it depicts both rich and poor in a typical way. Elysium is run by a selfish, corrupt government and its citizens are too naive and pleasured to be concern about what's going on, while Earth is mostly inhabited by good people because they get all the suffering. It's fascinating how they have to realistically contrast between both class; the space torus world is more advanced than the third world, but no matter how they tried to make it look close to reality, the political wars still feel campy and contrived. The plan of the "heroes" also seems amazingly absurd. It's Sci-Fi, sure, but again it's an allegory to a real life problem. Their solution for the healthcare crisis is quite otherworldly. I guess this is for the sake to fit for an action movie plot, but that also results to a less impressive delivery of its subtext. In other subject, the film doesn't provide enough detail beneath the corruption of the Elysium government, neither the devastation of Earth which makes an underwhelming commentary.
The storytelling is terribly straightforward, though straightforward is not actually a problem. You can develop a character by studying their personalities even without any back stories, but here even a single flashback and brief pathos won't bring much genuine connection to the audience. The actual energy relies more to the technical work and the performances. The characters may be somewhat bland, but the actors thankfully filled something in their marvelously designed roles. Matt Damon gives all of Max's weakness and redemption, which makes him an endearing protagonist. Sharlto Copley's unhinged villainous turn is endlessly enjoyable. Wagner Moura and Diego Luna manage to be likable in their small roles, while Jodie Foster and William Fichtner brought some appropriate antagonism.
The film is best when it focuses on the cool stuff. Every image of the film is undeniably breathtaking to look at. The production is awesome with rust and dirt all over it. The special effects are simply magnificent compared to Hollywood's most recent summer blockbusters. The action is of course has the joy of blowing up flesh into pieces, palpable trademark of the director. Neill Blomkamp pours the best of his technical filmmaking skills.
Personally, Elysium is a disappointment. The world it created is so brilliant, it would have been a powerful blockbuster that would outweigh all the remakes, reboots, sequels, prequels, adaptations, and other unoriginal projects Hollywood provides nowadays. It's still pretty innovative and very entertaining, but the story had something to say and it troubles to that point. I still think Neill Blomkamp is a magnificent storyteller. I just wish he can use more of the human side of his stories. Matt Damon ends up achieving that, but it wasn't enough unfortunately, though it's getting there. Maybe more exploration would help to make it all compelling. If you have no interest in its sociopolitical content, then feast your eyes by one of the most eye popping visuals and exciting set pieces ever presented this year.