Elysium

Pretty gory and bloody but thoroughly enjoyable...

Elysium is set in a very shocking and disturbing future of our planet where the poor are left on Earth to suffer from illness and the struggles of poverty.  Meanwhile the rich have taken to an manufactured place called Elysium where everyone can be healed instantly and live their previous luxurious lifestyles.

Matt Damon who plays Max Da Costa, a poor civilian living on Earth, dreams of one day reaching Elysium and being a part of their world. He fights the injustice of society and wants so desperately for everyone to be treated equally.

Jodie Foster stars as Jessica Delacourt, a resident on Elysium who is the secretary of defence and takes charge in ensuring poor folk don't make their way onto Elysium without authorisation. She uses an agent called C.M. Kruger ( Sharlto Copley) plays a large part in this control, destroying anyone who threatens Elysium.

I am a huge fan of films which convey political and social issues. Therefore this film immediately appealed to me. The cast (Jodie Foster, Matt Damon and Sharlto Copley) were all very strong. The blood and guts effects also aided the performances and helped to emphasise the violence and chaos of Earth.

I was particularly impressed with the use of architecture to contrast the two places. Earth, which looked very much like a cluster of slums was very horrific. Elysium on the other hand was beautiful in its appearance.

Of course given the genre there was a lot of action and fight sequences which made the scenes seem thrilling and exciting. I think though perhaps some of the camera movement and flashes may have happened a little quickly making some parts hard to follow.

Overall however I think the film was really effective. The ending (which I won't spoil) was perfect and surprisingly unconventional I think. It very definitely made a statement.


☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆