5 Reasons Why District 9 Will Be Better Than Transformers 2
First off, full disclosure: The title of this post is both sensational and ridiculous. I have yet to see either Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen or District 9, so my opinions in this piece are based solely on my own personal taste, the trailers released for these two films, and my reaction to the materials previously produced by the two directors; mainly being Transformers 1 and Alive in Joburg. Having said all that, let’s get to it.
You might be saying to yourself “What do Transformers 2 and District 9 possibly have in common that they’re worth comparing?” Well, seeing as District 9 will more than likely be crushed under the box office weight of Transformers 2, I do think they’re related; even if it’s in a Darwinian food-chain sort of way. Both are summer blockbusters dealing with aliens landing on Earth and subsequently being forced to co-exist with humans. Both utilize special effects to tell their stories. Both come from visually driven directors with backgrounds in commercials and music videos. Good enough? Didn’t think so. Either way, my reasons why District 9 will be better than Transformers 2:
1. Subversive yet Accessible
First things first; I’m not one to write off blockbuster films for the sake of them being blockbusters. I like to have fun in the theatres as much as the next guy. But hey, isn’t it great when a movie can be both fun AND smart?? Definitely. If it’s anything like Alive in Joburg (which I think it’s safe to assume it will be) District 9 should give us an interesting combination of cool FX, visceral action and interesting ideas. As for Transformers; based off of the first film and the Rise of the Fallen trailer, I’d say we’re looking at cool FX, confusing action and dumb ideas. I’ll take D9 to win.
2. Special FX
Let me explain here. SFX aren’t simply the art of making something look as realistic as possible. There should be some attempt to strive to create new and inspiring images, not just creating a tech demo for your company. Some examples? The tumbling dinosaurs in King Kong, or the creation of Sandman in Spider-Man 3. Both sequences probably aren’t the best example of superior FX from a technical standpoint, but I think they’re good examples of the use of computer technology to create interesting or even inspiring images. I’ll give Transformers the win for compositing and photo realistic graphics, but the images certainly aren’t inspired. Blomkamp’s short films alone feature more unique and interesting visuals. However, in the end, this is all personal opinion and I’m sure most people will simply argue that the effects in King Kong were shit. Oh well.
3. Social Commentary: Night of the Living Dead Style
Social commentary can at times be heavy handed and clumsy, but every now and again you get a filmmaker that comes along and successfully builds a story around an allegory and ends up striking a nerve. We all remember the ending of George A. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’, and the subsequent ‘consumerism’ message buried just below the surface of Dawn of the Dead. The Alien films managed to take on ‘corporate greed’ with some great success. District 9 looks to be following down a similar path. As so eloquently put by EyeGod, a commentor on our site:
“It’s my hope that this film isn’t purely allegory, but that it deals with the important issues metaphorically, with a primary emphasis on entertaining. Needless to say I’m extremely excited about what this means for the South African film industry…”
While I’m not really expecting any heavy social commentary from Transformers, the film seems to manage to do the exact opposite. It embraces everything the previously mentioned films attempted to attack; a giant commercial for toys, cars and the military.
4. Originality
How often is it that we actually get a summer blockbuster that isn’t a sequel or a remake? Pretty fucking rare, right? This alone gives District 9 points. And don’t worry, I’m not forgetting that district 9 is inspired by Neill Blomkamp’s short film ‘Alive in Joburg’. I just don’t think it really matters. Sure the story might be one we’ve heard before, but the approach is definitely fresh.
I’ve always thought the marriage of the cinema verite documentary style and horror worked extremely well. The Blair Witch Project, [REC] and Cloverfield are all great examples of using technique to directly influence storytelling. I think District 9 will bring this to a whole new level, incorporating seemingly real interviews manipulated to fit the story in a Borat sort of fashion. Science fiction fits quite well with this format.
5. Fresh, Young Talent
I can’t recall such a clearly talented first-time filmmaker getting so much unwarranted resistance stemming from a film that doesn’t even exist. You’d think with all of the people complaining about the lack of quality behind films based on video games, fans would be openly embracing the opportunity to allow a fresh, young filmmaker get his hands on a franchise. But no, the temptation to have an opportunity to complain about something and collect some google hits overrides any interest in supporting a new voice in the film industry. Here’s a great example:
“Remember Halo? When that nobody hack effects artist Neill Blomkamp was Jackson’s pick for director? The lemmings were all saying Blomkamp was awesome, but we had our doubts. Side note: If Blomkamp is that great of an potential director, why has he still not yet had a Hollywood gig since he is not busy on Halo?? Hmm…?” — Rodney, The Movie Blog
That came from a post about a Dune remake. Blomkamp is even slammed in regards to completely unrelated projects! Amazing. Thing thing is, I don’t care if Blomkamp hasn’t stepped foot on a feature film set (a fact I can’t corroborate), he has proven that behind the lens, he’s clearly got talent. His short film and commercial work is both inspired and original, which is something that can’t be said for some of the most experienced Hollywood directors working today. I’d much rather see Neill Blomkamp helm a franchise like Halo, which fits perfectly with his sensibilities and experience in FX. But If you think a director with 9 feature films under his belt is automatically a better choice due to his experience, I ask this; what if that director was Brian Robbins? Nothing is black and white.
Comments (99)
nice post. I agree that D9 is going to be great, and a much better time than Transformers 2. I am a very big Peter Jackson fan.
If its okay, since I saw you were posting on the Movie Blog thread about this, I wanted to show you something. I pointed out how that site doesnt like Peter Jackson very much, and suddenly I was being called an idiot (in violation of The Movie Blogs comments policy) and ended up on some Enemies List where I was somehow the one responsible for calling out the author for his words. The insult of “Idiot” is still on there, and my comments asking why are all awaiting moderation.
I have heard that the Movie Blog owner does this habitually, and now I have proof:
First response, then Jay’s response, then the Movie Blog owner/writer calling me names:
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/563/53381658.jpg
my response to being called an idiot:
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8373/16193125.jpg
the site owner edits my comment and then I ask why:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9352/96574637.jpg
I then get put on a ‘moderation’ list, effectively censored:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4743/73303039.jpg
As I said, I am a big Peter Jackson fan and for years have heard him being insulted on TMB – i point this out and I am the bad guy.
I should invite Mr. Campea here to where comments WONT be deleted to try and justify why he censors people yet feels justified calling Jackson/Blomkamp and commenters on his site names, breaking his own policy.
Posted by Mr. Huh? on May 8th, 2009He finally responded to me there, and called me gutless since I use a fake email address and name. That is true. However if it is about guts I dont see why he would remove comments to begin with.
Posted by Mr. Huh? on May 8th, 2009John also admitted that he had called Peter Jackson names many times before just now in that thread.
If he acknowledges this, why would he censor someone for pointing it out?
Posted by Mr. Huh? on May 8th, 2009I would like to thank my friend Mr. Duh for sending me this screenshot, showing further abuse of commenters by the site owner. It looks like I am not alone.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9393/johnvsandy.jpg
Posted by Mr. Huh? on May 8th, 2009You’re an idiot.
Posted by luke on May 8th, 2009I do find it hilarious that the Senior Editor at the Movie Blog thinks his commenting process is ‘clear as day’ but then he is clearly personally attacking (along with pointing out an error in reading) the commenter. Pretty hypocritical. I’m not allowed to comment at The Movie Blog due to my pointing out the chinks-in-the-armour in that policy (and ironically, i did this in an opinion piece about censorship!!). So Occasionally when something flares up over there, i can’t help but rubberneck. Ah Well. Back to work.
Posted by Kurt on May 8th, 2009You could write an entire book about how that site abuses its own readers and writers. Anyone ever asked Serena why she left that site?
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009Is there a story as to why Serena left the movie blog, aside from just leaving?
Posted by Captain N on May 8th, 2009We’re getting off topic, but there is no contest of which is more anticipated this summer. District 9 all the way. I won’t even be seeing Transformers 2, the first one was all I needed to know that that type of movie is not my cup of tea. Too much bombast, ludicrous story, etc. The worst of blockbuster filmmaking, I’ll take my THE FOUNTAIN, HULK, and WallE any day of the week thank-you very much.
Posted by Kurt on May 8th, 2009I love how this has turned from a piece written by jay about transformers and district 9 to a bashing of TMB.
Posted by AdamH on May 8th, 2009Nice article Jay, I too am looking forward to an original film this winter/ your summer =P
I will actually see Transformers 2, and I don’t really have an extreme hate on for it. But there’s no question that District 9 is more intriguing and will likely be the better film. It’s just a shame that it will most likely totally bomb or suffer a severe backlash, possibly due to the Halo garbage.
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009AdamH: Thanks Adam! Definitely one of my most anticipated this summer, with Where The Wild Things Are following right behind in October.
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009Kurt, not off topic, a deliberate attempt to stave off a derail. Can’t blame ya, guy. I’ll be seeing both as we need a good film to roast on The Rotcast and we kind of gave the first Transformers a pass. We’ve been meaning to cover Eden Log on the show for a while, but I think we’ll save it to do a back to back review with District 9. Either that or Moon.
As to why Serena left, neither she nor John made any public statements to her leaving at all and the only thing I ever read about it was her saying the experience (of writing for TMB) made her not want to be around negative people in her life. You can interpret that however you like, but since John has never spun her departure the way he did Richard’s, it says to me there was some sort of falling out.
Most of the time the shit that goes unsaid is the most interesting.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009I’d rather see GI Joe than Transformers 2, even though that film is probably going to be much much worse. At least with GI Joe I’ll be getting new kinds of suck rather than the same suck I didnt like 2 years ago.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009“I love how this has turned from a piece written by jay about transformers and district 9 to a bashing of TMB.”
Actually this post exists because of TMB and it’s deliberate attempts at being “different” in bashing Blommkamp. Jay fought like a trooper over there to present a balanced counter argument, but you can’t get blood from a stone.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009One of the main things that District 9 has to overcome is the fact that there are no stars in it… which is kind of necessary if the documentary thing is going to be believable.
I’m actually kind of surprised they’re putting it out in the summer. It seems more well-suited for a January/February release (think Cloverfield).
Posted by Sean on May 8th, 2009“I love how this has turned from a piece written by jay about transformers and district 9 to a bashing of TMB.”
To be fair, the article does go after Rodney’s comments on TMB. In fact I’m pretty sure one of the reasons this article exists is because I think Rodney ended up deleting one or more of Jays replies to him there
Great article. I’m totally sold on District 9 too. I dont care if there’s a Halo movie.
I actually wish though they hadn’t released that unblurred trailer with subtitles. The blur mystery for some reason really stuck out to me as something great.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Referring to that TMB thread that is in question – I have to say I surprisingly enough agree with John that this is a better start for him than a Halo movie.
But not because Halo is some grand thing that requires experience and being eased into (I agree with what Jay said on the podcast about a simple character film being harder), but because since the studio and fanboys PERCEIVE IT TO BE, if he ever did make it, he’d probably earn more leeway from a studio and have less interference and thus make a better movie with his actual stamp because of it. And the fanboys would probably be on his side doing whatever they do that is somehow beneficial…
if they actually DO do anything beneficial.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009There’s no question that D9 is has gotten everyone’s attention. And it’s gotten it for a reason: it’s new, different, interesting and looks like it might have its audience actually having to think. Trans2 will be a bunch of explosions with nicely composited robots punching each other – even though it will be impossible to tell what is what and who is who.
The only way I’ll see Trans2 is if I get in for free somehow. D9 however already has my money.
Posted by Andrew James on May 8th, 2009BTW – I still don’t understand what HALO has to do with anything. Who gives a smooth fart?
Posted by Andrew James on May 8th, 2009Sean,
Sony must be banking Peter Jackson’s name, viral curiosity, and (if it’s any good) word of mouth to carry it through into September. I don’t think they expect it to be as front loaded as Paramount did with Cloverfield. Not a bad comparison but let’s not sink so far where we start analyzing the finances of a movie to death.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009If TMB is actually going to be more active again, they’re going to spend the whole summer licking up and hyping Transformers (again) and anything with D9 will insert a Blomkamp dis somewhere in the post or comments.
Who’s going to tell me that its D9 that deserves the cynical attitude?
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Yeah, the no stars thing is definitely a problem in terms of getting people out to the theatre. Although, did Cloverfield really have ’stars’ per se? I think it was the concept that sold people on that film. Although, maybe that whole idea is passe now?
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009with Cloverfield there was a lot more mystery and viral appeal (it seems retarded saying those words, but really) yeah, the marketing helped it big time.
Cloverfield got turned into an event movie by its marketing, whereas this is really relying on looking very very good.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Halo fanboys have the same kind of hubris as, well, Transformers fanboys. I know John is not some big gamer (he probably bought his WoW character from one of those atrocious sites TMB now associates with) but he knows how to piss off a fanbase. Look how much time he spent devoted to Dragonball. If he wasn’t financially motivated to be “controversial” he wouldn’t give *as big* a shit. He’d be just another man-child nerd with an opinion.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009Sorry if I didn’t know the complete history of the thread at TMB, it just started annoying me that noone was commenting on Jays article.
Posted by AdamH on May 8th, 2009Goon in reference to you wishing that they didn’t release the unblurred and subtitled trailer, that’s exactly why I didn’t watch it. Im becoming more conscious of how much information about upcoming films I learn before hand. It started fucken spoiling movies for me
“Im becoming more conscious of how much information about upcoming films I learn before hand. It started fucken spoiling movies for me.”
I’m back and forth on this. If I didnt think Wolverine was going to be shit in advance, I dont think I would have ended up liking it. Theres a benefit to lowered expectations.
I can point to a zillion examples though where having no knowledge of a movie has made it funnier or more exciting, but I could also point to a zillion examples where I wouldnt have even given something a chance had I not seen the trailer first. Trailers DO work, and D9 is a perfect example. I dont think its going to be monstrous, but if it lands in front of the right movies, I think its going to do very well at the box office.
Unless it opens vs. Night at the Museum or some shit, then its fucked
– seriously, as soon as I saw Darth Vader and Oscar the Grouch on screen together, I knew that movie was going to kill everything in its path.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009“Who’s going to tell me that its D9 that deserves the cynical attitude?”
But Goon, it doesn’t visually fellate the United States military. A science fiction film that doesn’t lovingly twitch cut shots of Megan Fox’s ass and feature the oh so talented work of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (how these fucking hacks got to live in the honey pot is a mystery for the ages) is immediately worthy of skepticism and it’s director outright scorn.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009‘as soon as I saw Darth Vader and Oscar the Grouch on screen together, I knew that movie was going to kill everything in its path.”
That movie looks like so much processed cheese. Why did Jim Henson have to die?
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009This is why viral marketing is an interesting idea. It’s additional content that can successfully market a film, but not totally spoil any actual content. The ones that are done well anyways.
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009I dont get the Megan Fox appeal. I know she has everything that is supposed to make someone be hot, but she also looks even more plastic and hookerbot than Katy Perry does, and that just turns me off. Also can’t act, but that seems to be well aside the point.
“If he wasn’t financially motivated to be “controversial””
God, so many fucking articles designed to get digg hits rather than be informative or even opinionated. Gotta love it when you can find outrage even more manufactured than Sean Hannity’s Dijongate.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009From the Tranformers 2 wiki entry (substantially longer that District 9’s):
“Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman originally passed on the sequel because of a busy schedule.”
*click, BOOM, headshot*
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009“Why did Jim Henson have to die?”
I shed a tear every time during Muppet Family Christmas when he and Sprocket do the dishes together, and he has that crazy zebra striped jacket.
Viral marketing is great when it works, but most of the time viral marketing is ass, and its not something you can force. When you do force it you get nothing but bad.
Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2oegRiaA_0
(and its response video, which is funnY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1d-ano0xrw)
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Let’s have some fun with hypocrisy:
http://themovieblog.com/2007/10/10-common-sense-money-saving-tips-for-movie-fans
Check out the last one. Here’s the first comment on that post:
“10) LET THE BITCH PAY HER OWN WAY!”
Hmmm… perhaps it should be “LET THE BITCH/DOUCHE PAY HER/HIS OWN WAY.” You know, before you get mauled to death by the female population.
John was getting called out on the original article for the not so subtle slam against women. He later retconned his article, though in taking whatever sting he was trying to get at the end he effectively neutered the joke. He also removed any of his own comments defending why he used the word “bitch” in the original article. It was a deliberate attempt to whitewash a post, something he does about 2 or 3 times a year.
Thing is, John just doesn’t chase Digg tail, he goes after Reddit hits as well.
http://www.reddit.com/r/entertainment/comments/5ymmp/10_money_saving_tips_for_movie_fans/c029z7s
The only comment is his:
“And finally the biggest cost saver of them all: #10 – LET THE BITCH PAY HER OWN WAY!”
As always, stay classy Mr. Campea. We all benefit from your wisdom, sir.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009ColPicklejar is one of the best things I’ve seen all week. Thanks for that.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009After those first few posts I thought maybe there was a chance he’d post here.
I dont think theres any way in hell he’ll post here if you’re around, Dave. He’d have to murder you to make you stop posting.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Goon, totally agree with you about Megan Fox. I just don’t get it. Now, if Penelope Cruz was in this (she’s too smart for that though obviously) I’d watch it… twice.
Posted by Andrew James on May 8th, 2009What else does BayMan need from Fox? She has a good stomach and she can run! But imagine if Scarlett Johansson was in this. Oh my fucking god
Posted by AdamH on May 8th, 2009All these people wanted her to be Wonder Woman. Again more fanboys obsessed over who looks the part rather than who fits. When I see those pics people made of her in the costume, I see a girls Halloween “sexy” costume, not a character. I remember when Chyna from WWE wanted to be Wonder Woman. Nobody would ever see that, and it would never happen, but even with her mutant body she fits WW as a character better than Fox does.
They keep sticking girls who arent tough at all into comic book movies because almost every actress that can sell tickets is some wimpy waif. Jennifer Garner is about as close as there has been to a physically strong looking comic book character. And thats only because shes got that square jaw happening.
I still say Angela Bassett shouldve been Storm
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Dude, Amy Adams in a Transformers movie would be MIND blowing.
@Goon: I’m kind of shocked. I’ve been arching him for the past few weeks but he’s been more elusive than Dr. Venture.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009Scarlett already had her bad Bay movie (the Island)
that movie is hilarious because the two main character clones are essentially retarded and they’re outwitting every major law enforcement thing that can find them.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009Ugh, could you stand to listen to Chyna speak for at least 25 of a 120 minute movie? I couldn’t and I listen to both Coheed and Cambria and The Mars Volta.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009You had to bring up The Island. This is way better:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=AB799B833A470FFE&search_query=Parts:+The+Clonus+Horor
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009That’s true Goon but I still watch the island everynow and again just because of SJ. Although I am of the opinion that she should be in absolutely everything and will be the only reason im seeing Iron man 2. Im starting to sound sick.. But seriously.. I need to find her..
Posted by AdamH on May 8th, 2009Hey, Mr Duh’s comment was removed from TMB! All he did was quote the second rule of commenting on TMB:
2) Disagree and debate, but no insulting other commenters or the author
and comment that both parties should call a detente. Since when was “detente” considered an insult or attack. Is John one of those French-Canadian hatin’ Canadians or something?
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009Mr. Huh?, why are you trying to argue with Campea anyway? So little of what that child says makes sense. I visited that blog maybe twice last year. It’s just a waste of time.
Posted by Matt on May 8th, 2009Jay, I really liked this post. Way to inject some juice into a movie not that many people are aware of as of right now.
I wonder if any people are going to stand up to you and try to defend Transformenrs 2. Campea might. All I know is that I am not wasting any more money on Michael Bay movies. Transformers tought me that lesson.
How was Alive in Joburg? Where can I get ahold of it? Could it potentially spoil any plot developments of District 9?
Keep up the good work.
Matt, Sean did a post of Neill Blomkamp’s short works here on Film Junk. Alive in Joburg is included:
http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/05/04/the-short-works-of-neill-blomkamp/
I don’t think it will spoil District 9 for you.
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009Ask and you shall receive:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1185812222812358837
Also, it might be embedded somewhere here on FJ because these guys are good like that. Still, that link will take you to Alive in Joburg, the short that D9 is based on.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009Ah, Jay beat me to the trigger. Feel free to remove my last comment for its redundancy, relevancy, or Pro-Blomkamp bias.
Oh wait. . .
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009I still go to the movieblog and I must admit to getting into critical skirmishes with John over movie opinions but man things have really gotten rough over there. Is all John? I find Rodney to be rather insulting(not to me but to others) and very very opinionated. TMB was much better long ago when Doug Nagy was there. Now things seem to corporate.
As to the topic of this post, I agree that D9 is much more intriguing than Transformers, but then again so is chicken soup. D9 has the potential to be something truly unique surrounded by a bunch of big blockbusters. I hope it lives up to it’s potential. I’ll take Peter Jackson’s apprentice over Michael Bay any day. Though I must Bay was pretty funny in the Verizon commercial.
Posted by 1138 on May 8th, 2009The comments here really sky rocketed over the past few hours.
My feelings on Transformers 2 is that, more then likely, everything this summer will be better then it. Though it’ll be a huge hit. Likely the largest of the summer. I went and saw Wolverine a few days ago and the trailer played. During the trailer there was literal “gasps” and “whoa’s” from both men and women. I suppose I am biased in that I really disliked Transformers 1. I do plan to avoid this movie in theaters. Possibly even on DVD.
As for Blomkamp, I am not familiar with him or this project. I am familiar with HALO though. As far as “inexperience” goes with this, I really dont care. The whole HALO situation irked me. Fans were clamoring for something that was going to be nothing but a superficial money grab. HALO isn’t known for is “awesome story” because it doesnt have one. It has enough story to just drive the gameplay. As most games do. HALO is known for its multiplayer aspect and we know this wasnt going to be a movie of multicolored master chiefs running around on a field blowing each other up. Im sure that would be just as entertaining as the eventual movie they’ll come up with, if it eventually happens. Im not a fan of HALO though, so I suppose I miss the multilayered story that may or may not be there.
Im sorry, was there talk of HALO in this thread? If not, I apologize for the off topic post.
Posted by Captain N on May 8th, 2009Thanks guys. I will view the stuff as soon as I get to a computer that doesn’t block videos.
Posted by Matt on May 8th, 2009I myself am a stranger to TMB – this is damn interesting though…this john guy sounds like a total shit. I dont know much about TMB but i guess due to him that its not held in high regard. Maybe one of the film junk folks could thrown down the towel and have a podcast argument/debate with him. If not just go the uwe boll way and take him down in a boxing fight
Posted by Teo on May 8th, 2009oh and jay way to stir up even more interest in this movie – great post, keep the good stuff coming
Posted by Teo on May 8th, 2009I’ve been sold on Blomkamp’s work ever since i first saw his ‘Tetra Vaal’ short film (about a police robot in the South African slums). He has a knack for combining docu-style footage with photo-real effects. And its almost like he has a disregard for said effects, in that he isn’t concerned with making sure the audience see’s the ‘hero model’ in fetishistic detail. Holding back on the effects, and not revealing them, is actually a rarity these days, and makes his work that much more effective, IMO.
Posted by dunk on May 8th, 2009Jesus Christ! I go to Star Trek for 3 hours and Jay C. gets a 54 response post! that mofo should write for Variety!
Posted by rus in chicago on May 8th, 2009“he isn’t concerned with making sure the audience see’s the ‘hero model’ in fetishistic detail. Holding back on the effects, and not revealing them, is actually a rarity these days, and makes his work that much more effective, IMO.”
Awesome point. It’s the fleeting fx moments that are sometimes the most impressive. When you say to yourself ‘Shit, they actually had to build that thing that was in the background of that shot for two seconds.’ It really helps flesh out a realistic world.
Posted by Jay C. on May 8th, 2009I won’t get into specifics, but lets just say that (almost) every writer or contributor that has ever been involved over at TMB has left with a VERY bad taste in their mouth over the management. And this includes Nagy and Serena.
This isn’t (and shouldn’t be) the rumor mill, but I know all of this first hand and I find it to be a little more than coincidental. Don’t believe me? Check out all of the ex-contributors current web projects/sites and everything seems to be moving along swimmingly. Then email them and flat out ask about past experiences at “other” sites.
Posted by Gutless and Anonymous on May 8th, 2009I know Richard will flat out not talk about it and for all of Doug’s foul ranting he too is quite the gentleman about the affair, at least publicly. I’m not really interested in anyone’s story other than Serena’s because she to navigate through what is largely a boy’s club and took quite a few hits for her trouble.
Posted by Dave on May 8th, 2009This movie looks like a piece of sh|t, with this Im not saying that TF2 will be better. I just think it looks fuc|<ing stupid.
Posted by Brandon on May 8th, 2009Good post Jay C.
I offer these ideas.
While I understand the comparison of D-9 to Transgender 2 is a cool way to tangentially comment on the state of Hollywood green lighting practices I doubt the filmmakers of D-9 would want any comparison at all. I feel they would rather us talk about some of the monumental changes in sci fi that were caused by films such as 2001, Star Wars and Alien. I feel D-9 could be one of these films. It should also be pointed out that D-9 will hopefully be an R rated film and by its very construction be placed in a different audience than Transgender 2. That being said, we need D-9 and Moon to find their audiences.
I feel Blomkamp’s cinema verite documentary style is not referencing any other films. I feel his work is directly influenced by the past decade of embedded journalism and the incredible images that have come out of the world’s various conflicts. I just feel an artist like Blomkamp doesn’t need to develop this style through any other lens but from the source material itself.
As far as Rodney and TMB site, I feel everyone here might be acting like dogs chasing their own tails. I really feel Rodney is a troubled sole; as no normal person seeks that much negativity in their life for such little gain. It is exhausting to think of all the wasted energy he uses to keep all of his fights going. Doing a Google search on him results in zero credentials and many posts from people complaining about him. I feel interacting with him feeds the obtuse ego he has created for himself. I suggest the real film buffs join the discussions here on filmjunk and let TMB continue the slow death it has started.
Posted by rus in chicago on May 8th, 2009“let TMB continue the slow death it has started.”
I hear ya, but its like a loose tooth, you know its gonna drop at any given moment, but you feel compelled to keep checking to see what’s up, even if its painful.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009fuck michael bay. fuck transformers. that’s a movie for morons. it’s not a film, it’s a 2 hour commercial, it’s just michael bay trying to rape your wallet and fuck your eyes. he doesn’t give a shit about you and your taste in movies. he doesn’t care what you think about his films. he doesn’t make movies cause he loves movies or loves art. he doesn’t give a shit about the history and legacy of cinema. he makes movies to make money. lots of money. lots and lots of money. truckloads. buttloads. he cares about nike making him a shoe. did nike make you a shoe? no they didn’t. he could give a shit what you think about anything. he doesn’t care if you die tonight. you know why? cause he’s got $200mil in his bank account and will likely add another $100mil when TF2 comes out. besides, he looks better with his shirt off than you do. guaranteed.
yeah. fuck michael bay. fuck his movies. and fuck you if you like them / him.
district 9 looks like a smart sci-fi film with a genuine purpose and genuine vision. which, of course, is why it won’t do well commercially – unless the studio actually starts to push the film to the general audiences and not just amongst the film blog crowd. we can only hope the critical praise for it is enough to get Blomkamp another feature.
Posted by musicsoup on May 8th, 2009It should be noted that Michael Bay’s problem is the most common problem in modern filmmaking; filmmakers do not produce/develop stories that meet the developed tastes of the film watching audience. I see the same mistakes that Michael Bay makes every day in independent film sets here in Chicago. To be discipline and “work” a script over and over and create fully formed characters is the HARDEST part of filmmaking. Bay, like 90% of the filmmakers out there, choose to move in to the production part of the process before the story is ready. Why? Because making films are fucking fun, writing them is hard. Michael Bay just tries to cover the story and character problems with huge budgets and action. It never works it’s like putting make-up on a pig.
D-9 hopefully will be part of the 10% that invests the time to get the story right. This is my biggest worry about D-9 because most of Bloomkamp’s work has been appetizers; few full meals.
Posted by rus in chicago on May 8th, 2009I think Michael Bay is the ultimate douchebag, and though he’s stated before he even made the first movie that he doesnt care about Transformers and didnt like the cartoon or original movie, I dont particularly believe he doesnt give a crap about viewers and just wants to rape their eyes either.
He likes what he likes, and what he likes and how he likes to portray them happens to be awful more often than not. The Rock isn’t that bad. The Island is crap but it’s entertaining. Bad Boys is alright.
Posted by Goon on May 8th, 2009The people who run The Movie Blog are a bunch of assclowns. I have very little respect for their opinions.
They’ve even banned posts from my IP address simply for disagreeing with them in the past, even though I’ve always been careful to do it in a respectful, and thought out manner.
Posted by scoville on May 8th, 2009“Goon, totally agree with you about Megan Fox. I just don’t get it.”
You’re an idiot.
I hope that D9 will be the good hard Sci-Fi that’s been missing so dearly in our cinematic diet of late. I know that it will most likely make no money but I don’t think that the film cost that much to begin with so I don’t think it will matter that much.
I truly believe that Blomkamp is the freshest talent to emerge of late and I’m crossing my fingers that he delivers with this one.
As for the TMB hate on Blomkamp. I’m guessing that Campea is venting some steam because he got screwed on his own film.
Posted by swarez on May 9th, 2009“fuck michael bay. fuck transformers. that’s a movie for morons.”
“yeah. fuck michael bay. fuck his movies. and fuck you if you like them / him.”
What a reactionary.
Posted by Glendon on May 9th, 2009I enjoyed Transformers for what it was: big, loud and dumb, which is what it set out to do. I’m glad the guardians of taste are here to put me in place. It doesn’t matter if you think the movie is shit, because some of it is, but to write someone off for liking it just makes you look like an asshole. Everyone has movies most people hate. And the funny thing is I agree with you, District-9 looks like a smart sci-fi film with a genuine vision. I’m more excited for that than I am for Transformers 2. Not that I think this was Jay’s intention, but judging by some of the comments here, D-9 and T2 are being pitched as gladiators in a fight to the death, as if one is pure art and the other is pure commerce. I think both films can coexist.
Good stuff Jay. Now I will make a point of keeping my eye out for this District 9 film. As for Transformers 2: I saw an ad for it with Star Trek tonight and it looked like Tomb Raider + swirling visual effects or something so who knows but I’m banking on it being crap.
Posted by Ian on May 9th, 2009Ha ha.
I love you guys.
Posted by Jonathan on May 9th, 2009This does look ridiculously cool by the way. The trailer hooked me (although Blomkamp’s name in the first place already did).
Posted by Jonathan on May 9th, 2009“Fuck(ing) morons bug me.”
Wow. It’s a wonder how Campea gets up in the morning considering he has to live with himself 24 hours a day.
Doug Nagy was the only good thing about TMB and now’s he’s gone it’s a stain of shit on the Internet.
Posted by TheAllKnowingGod on May 9th, 2009FYI: This thread kind of got folded into our latest show (which we recorded today), but it’s more about the online film community as a whole and not just TMB. We’re considered doing an episode with nothing but meta-bitching about this crowd, though I don’t know how much fire is left in me.
PS: Andrew, still waiting on that e-mail.
Posted by Dave on May 9th, 2009Also:
“I hear ya, but its like a loose tooth, you know its gonna drop at any given moment, but you feel compelled to keep checking to see what’s up, even if its painful.”
This. Ever so much this. Here’s something he wrote. It’s long, so bear with me:
“Here’s an example. Last year, this guy, who I had always said nice things about… promoted his website from The Movie Blog and interacted with… out of nowhere wrote an article about how big of an asshole John Campea is… how I’m basically hitler incarnate… yadda yadda yadda. It was a long scathing article… from a guy I had always endorsed, spoke positively of and promoted. It was VERY hurtful, humiliating and disappointing. I know we’re supposed to put on a mask and make it look like that shit doesn’t bother us… but it did bother me. It hurt me, and it disappointed me. When I started to dig a little I found out why he did it. Why he launched sucha personal, hateful, hurtful and outright pussy attack on me. Are you ready for this? Because when I referenced a story on his site once, I said the name of his site, instead of his name personally. Yup… it was that shallow. Because I said “This story comes to us from (name of website)”, instead of “This story comes to us from (names of the guy) from (name of the website)” he decided to get on his site, rip me a new one, call me names, insult my site, me and anyone who reads my site.
Yet, not once did I say a bad word about him. Even after he attacked me. My only response was “he’s a good writer, I’m disappointed in his actions, he’s entitled to his opinion”. That was it. I had some harsher words for him privately… but publicly I refused to lower myself to his level and get involved in public shit slinging. Because when you sling shit, everyone ends up smelling like shit. This scenario has happened a couple of times, but I guess I should count myself lucky that it hasn’t happened more. Today, that site in question is just a shell of what is used to be (which is a shame, cause the other guy who wrote for it was just awesome) and the guy in question has faded into relative total obscurity… and the world is better for it.”
http://www.themovieblog.com/2007/08/what-tmb-is-the-hard-parts-failures
That’s me he’s talking about. Imagine if you were the focus of something like that, wouldn’t you have a vested interest in keeping tabs on a guy who thinks you’re his villain?
Posted by Dave on May 9th, 2009One last thing: that little rant I posted above is full of lies and half-truths, though that should come as no surprise to any of you.
Posted by Dave on May 9th, 2009@Goon: Just found this from that post. Your words sir:
“I mean, the idea that Alfie would out and out attack you rather than earnestly and respectfully critique isnt something that would cross my mind – that fight with He Who Shall Not Be Named from last year? I remember Alfie was over on that dudes site attacking back fighting for your honor… did he really say something that I glossed over? I’m shocked…”
Was that the beginning of the end for you and when did I become Voldemort?
Posted by Dave on May 9th, 2009Wow Jay, whatta cool post…
Guys, I don’t think D-9 cost that much, therefore I don’t think it needs to make so much to break even, and if I’m not mistaken if a debut director can do more than just break even, it’s a good thing.
Nonetheless I think the buzz around Blomkamp, the obvious use of Jackson’s name to further push the film, and the hardcore Halo fans, coupled with word-of-mouth (and hopefully some more, effective viral marketing by Sony) will be enough to ensure D-9’s critical and commercial success. It doesn’t need to compete with TF2, cos the the two can definitely co-exist.
rus in chicago makes a good point about all of Blomkamp’s work up to date having only been appetizers- we can only hope that the main course will be truly tasty.
Also, props for including a little blurb of mine in your article!
I know some folks who worked on D-9 last year, and I’ll be sure to forward this piece to them! 
Posted by EyeGod on May 10th, 2009Thanks EyeGod!
Please do pass it on. It’d be great to get some opinions from people who might be able to shed more light on the project.
Posted by Jay C. on May 10th, 2009To Musicsoup..Fuck you. I like Transformers and Im excited for Transformers 2.
Your way too smart for it.
Ill see both. District 9 will be better.
It all comes down to the fact that “some” of you don’t like it because its popular. That’s the fucking truth.
Posted by Trent on May 10th, 2009Some people play King of the Hill, most don’t.
Posted by Dave on May 10th, 2009oww that hurt lol.
You know its true. It’s happening with Star Trek.
Posted by Trent on May 10th, 2009I’m with Brandon on this one – this movie looks ridiculous.
Alien beings with their faces blurred out as if they were everyday humans? LOL.. stupid stupid stupid… This is about as bad as one of those old Next Generation episodes that uses a 10 ton hammer to bash us with some simplified “moral” analogy about mankind’s evil ways complete with a 5 minute “lesson” delivered to Wesley Crusher about how “Back in the dark days Earth was riddled with racism and wars and greed but luckily in our Federation Utopia we are all above that now etc..”
If one wanted to beat over the head with that sorta message why not watch one of the other million films already made about it.
I swear if I hear the movie has a forced “interogation” scene or waterboarding or some crap like that I’ll put my fist through the monitor. Not saying it does.. but this sort of project looks exactly like the kind of film that would have such a scene.
Posted by Damndirtyape on May 11th, 2009Some people can’t tell the difference between sarcastic and innocent replies.
Whatever, I don’t feed the trolls anymore.
<_<
Posted by Dave on May 11th, 2009@ Damndirtyape
Your concerns are a valid, albeit a bit heavy handed.
Familiar with the Xenophobic violence which plagued through South Africa last year?
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805231033.html
The most interesting part is that Blomkamp had touch on these issues with his short on Alive in Joburg before they even happened.
I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but I do think there’ll be a message in this film, and that it won’t be all thrill factor and CGI-driven.
Whether you like that or not is a personal preference, but I prefer a film with substance over boobs and action any day of the week.
Also, a trailer has been released without blurred out faces, and with Alien subtitles. Puts a whole new spin on the matter.
Posted by EyeGod on May 12th, 2009Maybe YOU don’t get the Difference. lol
kidding
Posted by Trent on May 12th, 2009“Whether you like that or not is a personal preference, but I prefer a film with substance over boobs and action any day of the week.”
Amen, EyeGod
Posted by scoville on May 13th, 2009Over boobs?
Posted by Matt C on May 14th, 2009I’m interested in both “District 9″ and “Transformers Revenge of the Fallen”
Posted by Matt K on May 20th, 2009I don’t understand why all the negative response on transformers the movie was pretty damn good. I am going to see it.
Posted by corey1234 on May 24th, 2009YOU HAVE TO DO MORE RESEARCH ON TRANSFORMERS SURE GM HAS MAJOR DIBS ON THE CARS BUT IVE READ THE WHOLE STORY FOR THE FALLEN MOVIE AND ITS REALLY GOOD AND ORIGINAL NOT JUST LIKE THE SHOW OR COMIC. DISTRICT 9 LOOKS GOOD TOO THEY PICKED A BAD MOVIE TO GO AGAINST IN BOX OFFICE IS ALL
Posted by ANUBIS-7070 on June 24th, 2009Well, you called it and it looks like you were totally on the money – KUDOS old boy; and all from eyeballing a sliver of footage, already the critics look like they are going to back you up. Still, let us refrain from counting the chicken , for perhaps the critics were on shrooms, so we shall have to settle back in and play the old waiting game, roll on, wish i could have laid some cash down on your review – i wouldn’t be so broke now
Posted by j on August 6th, 2009I’m writing this to go on the record: I have to admit the latest footage and trailer of D9 has me worried. It feels like they decided to lose the edge of the earlier work. that robot twisting and catching the missile in the latest trailer is B.S. and feels like a Transformers type watered down, sugar coated effect made to mainstream the action.
Posted by rus in chicago on August 6th, 2009I also have not been as excited about the new D9 footage as I was about the trailer. Still, it’s a must see for me.
Now, Inglorious. That actually has me worried.
Posted by Rusty James on August 6th, 2009I saw DISTRICT 9 two days ago. It’s awesome, and I actually think that it’s a movie that Jay, Sean, Greg AND Reed will like, if not love.
Posted by James on August 11th, 2009James, I guess I have to see District 9 after your recommendation. I noticed that Entertainment Weekly is hyping this film with a cover story this week. If I do see it, I will be going into the theater with low expectations. And if I do fall asleep during it, I won’t hold your opinion against you, James.
Actually, I wonder if there is a movie that Jay, Sean, Greg and I love.
Posted by Reed Farrington on August 12th, 2009Sorry, James, I just saw District 9 and I didn’t love it. Sean has invited me to be on the next Film Junk podcast, so I’ll try to explain myself then. I guess people can accuse me of being the Armond White of Film Junk.
Posted by Reed Farrington on August 15th, 2009” I guess people can accuse me of being the Armond White of Film Junk.”
No, I think being the Reed Farrington of Film Junk suits you just fine.
Posted by Dave on August 15th, 2009After the way you handled your Star Trek review Reed, you should have to do your review while strapped to your lie detector.
Posted by Goon on August 15th, 2009Blasphemy Reed!
Posted by Tomas on August 15th, 2009Leave a Reply