Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium (2013) is an interesting depiction of an age-old story, the fight against the bourgeoisie for equality. Drawing upon traditional ethical and moral rhetoric, Blomkamp uses fantastic imagery and subtle overtones dealing with complex, societal issues. Elysium relies on the spectator’s familiarity with justice, their desire for a utopia that may never exist. With a visual appeal similar to District 9, this chaotic dystopia is juxtaposed with the segregation of the masses, to bring to perspective a world of unequivocal injustice and inequality. Much like the aliens were segregated in District 9, so are the humans in Elysium by other humans.
Elysium was done in the same inspirational tone of District 9, Blomkamp‘s masterpiece. Blomkamp shoots this in the same visually appealing, semi-raw footage technique that expresses the realism. Not only is Blomkamp fascinated by the moral theme, he’s also interested in technology. Just like in District 9, highly advanced theoretical weapons and vehicles are created in order to synthesize a world of total technological determinism. Not only is there complete control over the human condition, health, morality, and consciousness, but also the instruments needed to demolish it. Blomkamp gives life to a world of total technological immersion.
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