ryan.smith.blog

Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" is a strange affair. Shot entirely with the new Panavision Genesis digital camera, the film, which showcases only one trained actor in a cast of thousands, is, in some ways, a great accomplishment. In others, it falls short.

Having been very impressed with the images of "Superman Returns" (also shot on the Genesis), I was anxious to see "Apocalypto", certain it would exceed my expectations, at least in visual terms. Oddly enough, I find myself on the fence. Some of the scenes shot in the jungle, specifically in the first half of the film, appear video-like, as if the camera was shooting 60i by mistake, rather than 24p. However, once the story moves out of the jungle, things become smoother, more consistent, and more aesthetically pleasing. It seems the crew was rushing during the jungle scenes (most likely due to time-of-day and weather issues).

That aside, the story is engaging, and kept me interested until the last shot. For such a large-scale production, the plot is fairly simple: When native Jaguar Paw's village is raided, he succeeds in hiding his pregnant wife and son in a nearby well before being captured himself. He is taken to the Mayan temple to be sacrificed, but manages to escape and flees into the jungle, pursued by his captors. What follows is a fairly traditional chase sequence through the jungle (complete with wild animals, booby traps, and waterfalls). In Gibson's hands, however, the formula feels fresh, and we stay involved, though I admit I was surprised by some of the formulaic plot concoctions throughout. "Apocalypto" is not an art film; it is an artful Hollywood one. Still, in less skilled hands, the material might come across as silly and contrived, but again Gibson proves he is a very accomplished director, able to make you believe just about anything.

Much hubbub has formed over the violence in the film, and it would behoove me to mention it. I think I can safely say this is one of the most violent films I have ever seen, next to "The Passion Of the Christ", Gibson's other gore-fest. In both pictures, he uses graphic violence to make a point. In "The Passion", it was used to show the extent of Christ's suffering for mankind. In "Apocalypto", it is used to show the barbaric nature of a civilization, a barbarity which will inevitably lead to its demise. In fact, the theme of the film is divulged from the start, with a quote from Will Durant: "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." Durant had a point. In fact, it's a biblical concept (think Sodom and Gomorrah). Still, I can't say that Gibson's use of violence here is not gratuitous (this is the first time I have ever seen a jaguar eating a man's head and I don't think I want to see it again).

Some see "Apocalypto" as a cautionary tale about America and the war. In fact, it has more to say about terrorist nations - do decapitations in the name of God ring a bell? But regardless of Mel's intentions, the film speaks a truth proven throughout history: any civilization not founded upon truth - real truth - is destined for demise.

"Apocalypto" is an engaging experience, but I can't help but wonder what the results would have been like if ol' Mel had exhibited a little restraint. But then again, that wouldn't be Mel, would it?