The $29,807,393 Man! Elysium: Shanty Towns and Exoskeletons

Elysium has been one of the most highly anticipated Sci Fi's of 2013, and its only the second production for main stream cinema from writer/director Neill Blomkamp. Set in the same year as James Cameron's Avatar (2154), the film follows the life of slum dog ex-convict Max (Matt Damon) as he fights to stay alive by escaping Earth and travelling to Elysium, a habitat that exists in space for the super rich. Earth has become one large shanty town, reminiscent of the many slums that exist in South Africa, where Elysium's writer hails from. In fact, the opening scene looks like it could very well follow on from Blomkamp's surprise smash District 9 (2009) that also featured Johannesburg native Sharlto Copley (The A-Team) and reflected the many conflicts in the region but with an original Sci Fi twist by making the refugees and outlaws, aliens that are referred to as Shrimps. Instead, this story is focused on Los Angeles (typical of a Hollywood production) setting the pace for a future where the planet is overpopulated, and the people oppressed by the very machines that characters like Damon's have to build to earn a living.

Damon's performance is perfectly suited to the character and story, and his actions as an ex-con make him the perfect anti-hero to combat the malicious power hungry Secretary Rhodes, portrayed by Jodie Foster. Despite her character existing within the narrative to enforce the anti-immigration laws that will stop anyone not of the higher class from making it there from earth. Her performance is a little shaky, with an odd accent that sounds neither American or English, and no development to suggest a motive other than greed for her questionable tactics. You could say that this theme, similarly to District 9, reflects the current political and economic climate in both the US and in South Africa, and Rhodes is a strong reflection of US foreign policy. Either way, Foster's performance lacks any substance, and is completely overshadowed by Copley's vindictive gun for hire 'Kruger'.

Like Damon throughout most of the film, Copley is also jacked up on future tech. Instead of existing within the system however, he lives to rape, kill and torture for the right price. The character is creepy, violent and truly sadistic. Having seen Copley's performance in District 9 as the bumbling Wikas, you could hardly believe you were watching the same guy. The rough handi-cam style employed for the scenes taking place on Earth work perfectly against the hyped up IMAX clarity for those set in space. The CGI has not been overused, and the technology and weaponry, despite being futuristic, lend themselves to more of a gang warfare style than a future where man is able to live in a self sustained space port. Alice Braga (I Am Legend) grounds herself in the reality Blomkamp has created for Earth, as an overworked nurse trying to keep her daughter alive without medical attention. The idea that the super rich have access to advanced technology keeping them young, and in perfect health (free from diseases and cancers) almost brings the audience to understand Damon and Braga's determination to reach Elysium, despite being estranged childhood friends with little in common.

Like any major motion pictures with big Hollywood stars, Elysium falls to the traditions of romantic underlying themes and patriotic humanist sentiments. Blomkamp's style of filmmaking however, brings an all to real statement to the way humans treat each other, and how the world will ultimately be undone by the corporations (think of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, but set during daylight savings time). With the fast paced action of the film following the desperation of Damon and Braga's characters who are unwittingly hunted by Copley's Kruger, Elysium is a thrill ride and a must see. If you don't want to read to much into the politics of Blomkamp's filmmaking, you can enjoy an original idea that is grounded somewhat in reality, with a good dose of gruesome (with Damon's Exoskeleton surgery where a heavily tattooed gang member shouts "bring in the bone saw") and Sci Fi.

Elysium is in theatres now, and should be enjoyed on IMAX screens if possible. I highly recommend watching the 2D version on IMAX screens. Like most 3D releases at the moment, the glasses are not needed, neither is the loss of brightness and apparently 'real' depth perception the viewer receives. Elysium has wonderful clarity and rich textures that make it appealing to the eye, but hard hitting on the chest with all the explosions and gun fire.

Please leave your thoughts and any comments below if you have seen the movie already!