A retrospect on District 9

After reading the interview on Rotten Tomatoes with Neill Blomkamp, I wanted to share my thoughts on this incredible piece of film.

Several weeks ago, as per my first post on this blog, my wife and I ventured out to a premiere midnight showing of District 9. (I'll post a follow up to my letter shortly.) The following week, we were able to see it. It is my favorite new film of 2009.

Now, I have not seen every movie that has come out this summer. We skipped out on many, maybe I've become too jaded with Hollywood reboots / remakes / sequels / prequels / etc. Transformers and GI Joes were my main toys when I was a kid, even more so than TMNT, Thundercats, He-Man, Voltron, and all that. But when the time came I just didn't care to see my childhood squeezed dry for every dollar it was worth. (okay... control yourself. Don't go into that rant now. Stay calm.)

Anyways, there are many reasons why D9 was so great, as it has been thoroughly chewed up, digested, and regurgitated all over the internet. Without going into detail, here's my quick recap:

• You don't need big names to make a great movie.
• You don't need big budgets to make a great movie.

Peter Jackson was the biggest name they had on this movie. His and Blomkamp's ability to turn something amazing out of a minimal budget proved this.

• You don't need pre-existing franchises to make a great movie.

It was very refreshing to see something original on the big screen. All year I've been ranting about how sick I am about hearing about all of these upcoming "reboots". Alien, Bladerunner, Logan's Run, Highlander, Short Circuit, Robo Cop, Karate Kid... and all of these are from the top of my head (a quick google seach came up with this list at Remakeville. And a quick perusal of the list made me nauseated.)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not completely against reboots or remakes. There are many "franchises" which could use a good remake. Swamp Thing being one of them (which may be happening with Joel Silver.) Let's face it, the original movie had so much potential, but it's impossible to take seriously. It starts off very good and ends up going Troma. However, there's a possibility it will be shot in 3D, which gives me a sick feeling in my stomach.

Some of these upcoming remakes could be very much improved, simply because of the advances in technology since the originals, but still need to be left alone. Clash of the Titans, The Warriors, The Fly, Akira... and since I've mentioned anime, James Cameron really needs to leave Battle Angel the hell alone. (I'll save that for another time.)

• You don't need a happy ending to make a great movie.

Some of my favorite movies have unhappy, or unfinished endings. Not sure what I'm talking about? Watch just about anything directed by Clint Eastwood. I like what Blomkamp said in his interview "Hollywood likes to simplify real life and it likes to tie everything up neatly at the end which isn't how life plays out. The cool thing is that it's unresolved with Wickus at the end and to a certain extent it's unresolved with all the aliens."

• You don't need to water down the violence to make a great movie.

This is another issue altogether, has our society been hardened as a whole to violence in the media? Take a look at what was rated R back in the 80's. Now take a look at what is rated PG-13 nowadays and you'll see violence often pushed beyond what was acceptable years ago. Most R rated movies now are simply disgusting, IE Saw and Hostel.

The violence in D9 was factual. The deaths were not glorified. When Wickus used the alien weaponry for the first time on a human, you could see the terror in his face. The scene where he is forced to test out various weapons is a perfect example.

• Social and Political ideas have a place in Science Fiction.

Even Star Trek seems to have shied away from the thought provoking agendas that were so prevalent in the original series and movies. I did love the Star Trek movie, it was an amazing space opera, but it was nothing more.

According to the interview, there is a very good chance of us seeing a sequel from Blomkamp. This is very exciting for me, and I really hope it happens. I am also very excited for his other science fiction film he wants to write.

Consider me a Neill Blomkamp fanboy.