WHAT TO WATCH
uni life
Chappie
Where: Now showing in cinemas
VISIT ON
THE WEB
In recent times we’ve been graced
with some pretty decent science
fiction films, some of these being
District 9 and Elysium, both directed
by Neill Blomkamp. Following
these films is his third feature film,
Chappie. Like its predecessors, it
holds a lot of familiarities.
easily be mistaken as a sequel to
either of Blomkamp’s previous
works, it falls short in some of the
other areas that made his other
works more relevant.
Some directors strive to reinvent
themselves with each film while
others feel quite comfortable
continuing to do what they do
best. In Blomkamp’s case, it feels
abundantly clear that he feels right
at home with sci-fi action flicks set in a
not-so far away, futuristic South Africa.
District 9 and Elysium focused a
great deal on “what if” scenarios,
derivative of issues we face
today such as immigration, overpopulation and class structure. In
Chappie’s case, it deals with topics
such as the ever advancing pursuit
of Artificial Intelligence and then
ultimately what makes humans…
human, and how does that
separate us from a machine.
On the surface, District 9 and
Elysium are held in high regard
thanks to their reliance on gritty,
realistic tones and styles. A design
choice that resembles the works
of Blade Runner, 2001: A Space
Odyssey and even the original Star
Wars, each with a world that feels
alive and lived in. While Chappie
follows this same trend and could
Chappie follows the journey of a
robot originally intended to be part
of a line of robot law enforcers.
Along the way he becomes mixed up
in a conflict between rival weapon
manufacturers all the while dealing
with what it means to be human…
by being taught by South African
rap-rave group, Die Antwoord…
You can’t make this stuff up!
While Chappie himself was an interesting
character that the audience could connect
with, the same cannot be said for his Die
Antwoord co-stars. While previous films
brought to light some serious topics,
Chappie’s themes became lost as the film
progressed. In a way, the movie came to
feel as if it was one long Die Antwoord
music video, with their own merchandise
and music littered everywhere throughout
the film.
It felt like they were more determined to
advertise themselves rather than surprising
the audience with breakthrough roles.
Disappointingly, even big name actors such
as Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver
failed to draw any empathetic connections
with the audience. These drawbacks,
coupled with a script that felt rushed and
unfinished leaves you unsure whether it
was meant to be a comedy or a drama, and
ultimately what this movie was trying to
say, if anything at all.
WORDS: CORBEN MITCHELL – USQ Student
TOM SHERSON – USQ Alumni
IMAGES: CHAPPIE WEBSITE