the banality of evil

[threeplusfire]

We finally saw District 9 this evening. I have to say I'm glad my meal arrived before the film itself. It's been a long time since I had to close my eyes during a movie and when was the last time you saw that kind of violence that wasn't torture porn?

It was also the first time in a very long time that a movie's ambiguous ending didn't scream immediately "we left this open to make a sequel." I think the dread and nebulous nature of the ending speaks volumes to our souls and what we think we might deserve.

The pre-show at the Alamo included several commercials Neil Blomkampt directed and the original short film Alive in Joburg that spawned District 9.

This is a hard movie to watch. But it is worth it, because it is incredible. Totally fucking incredible.

Comments

[rm.livejournal.com]

As someone who still feels battered by CoE, should I see or will I be upset?

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

It's heartbreaking, but in a different way. There are some references to concentration camps/genocide that are painful (god the popping, the popping).

They spent all their money on the special effects and none on camera mounts, so it has that jerky quality to it.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

FUCKING A, that popping. I actually felt mildly traumatized by the movie and not in a good "oh boy I didn't *realize* humans could be so cruel! I feel like my horizons have been broadened!" way. I'm glad the movie was made; I know it is an exorcising of demons in a very specific sci-fi, but I wish I hadn't seen it. Leaving the theatre, I took away nothing I didn't already know about man's ability to be brutal and inhumane.

Also, I wish I had not ordered the bleu cheese burger, and that it had not come when it did. One big drawback to movies at the Drafthouse.

[annathyst]

I was worried it was going to be another "blow shit up" film after the really weak but ubiquitous ad campaign they ran here. I'm glad it came out well-done.

[zombiechu.livejournal.com]

We saw that the other night and really liked it. But I came home and just burst into tears. The tension, pain and emotional roller coaster feel of the movie was very intense for me, I guess.