Movie Feature: District 9 (2009)
District 9 is one of those sleeper hits, with an unknown cast and relatively low-budget production. It is, however, produced by maestro Peter Jackson, so that probably factors in its success. In summary, the movie paints of picture of a "what if" situation where aliens are stranded on Earth and humans are forced to grant them the same rights they enjoy, and live with them. Eventually, a time arrives when discontent breeds and the government has to evict the aliens to a more controlled environment. Wikus Van De Merwe is the man chosen for the purpose of presenting the eviction notices to the aliens, and in the process, he stumbles upon a chemical substance which would change him into one of them. What plays out next is the cliche story of evading the governments agents who are out for his DNA and his race against time for a cure.
The elements that differentiates District 9 from B-grade material into a A-class science fiction movie are the characters and the themes it dealt with in the process. The choice to cast unknowns in this film is interesting, and a wise move since I think we emphatise better with them compared to actors that we know are being paid millions during production. For example, in the first act, the movie is filmed in a documentary style, complete with a shaky and grainy camera, and interviews. It makes for an interesting watch, as well as an effective way of setting up the premise for the characters since interviews and spontaneous camera recordings provide characterisation. There are also exciting chases and thrilling action in the second act, so the movie is not entirely talky or political. The third act is a bit of a let down and so was the ending, but I think that taken as a whole, it is only appropriate since it is a dark movie.
Yes, District 9 is a very dark movie, since it deals with themes like forced eviction, xenophobia, violence and greed. As Criminal Minds has established over and over again, humans are the only beings who are capable of such violence and torture for the sheer fun of it. On that same vein, it is also what makes the movie a breath of fresh air, as most science fiction movies paints aliens as the threat. Of course, when seen from this point of view, it raises some debates and controversy, and therefore can be a bit depressing for some people.
Equally unfortunately, the movie can be jarring at times in the sense that it is gory and there are lots of swearing involved (seriously, I don't see the need for people to swear 24/7, if you can't help it, buy mouthwash please) but it balances out with a fair amount of heart-warming scenes such as Wikus's phone call with his wife.
In conclusion, if you are looking for something that is a departure of science fiction movies, look no further than District 9. It is deep, it is fun, and it is highly recommended.