District 9 is a science fiction film that was released in 2009 and directed by Neill Blomkamp. The movie is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, and tells the story of an alien race that is forced to live in a slum-like district known as District 9. The film is widely praised for its unique storyline, societal commentary, and impressive visual effects.
The movie is considered an allegory for class inequality, with the aliens representing the poor and the human population representing the wealthy. The aliens are barely hanging on in their meager existence in District 9, yet the humans consider their camp an eyesore and want it out of their city. The film explores themes of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination, and how these issues can lead to the oppression of marginalized groups.
Overall, District 9 is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that offers a powerful commentary on societal issues. The movie’s allegory has resonated with audiences around the world, and its message continues to be relevant today.
Background of District 9
Production History
District 9 is a 2009 science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp, who co-wrote the screenplay with Terri Tatchell. The film was produced by Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, and it was a co-production of New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa. The film stars Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, and David James. The movie was made on a budget of around $30 million and was a massive success, grossing over $210 million worldwide.
Plot Synopsis
The story of District 9 is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, where a massive alien spaceship has come to a halt and is hovering over the city. The aliens are referred to as “prawns” due to their appearance. They are initially welcomed by the South African government, but as time passes, they are forced to live in a segregated area known as District 9. The film follows the story of Wikus van de Merwe, a government agent who is tasked with evicting the aliens from District 9. However, things take a turn for the worse when Wikus is exposed to an alien chemical that begins to change his DNA.
Main Characters
The film’s main character is Wikus van de Merwe, played by Sharlto Copley. Wikus is a government agent who is tasked with evicting the aliens from District 9. However, he is exposed to an alien chemical that begins to change his DNA, and he must fight to survive. Other characters in the film include Christopher Johnson, an intelligent alien who befriends Wikus, and Koobus Venter, a brutal mercenary hired to capture the aliens.
Allegorical Themes
Apartheid and Racism
District 9 is a science fiction film that explores the themes of apartheid and racism. The movie is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, where aliens have landed on Earth and are forced to live in a segregated area called District 9. The aliens are treated as second-class citizens, with limited access to resources and basic human rights. This treatment is reminiscent of the apartheid system that was in place in South Africa until the early 1990s, where black people were segregated and discriminated against.
The film’s portrayal of the alien’s treatment is a powerful allegory for the real-world issues of racism and prejudice. The movie shows how discrimination can lead to the dehumanization of an entire group of people, and how this can have devastating consequences.
Xenophobia and Otherness
Another allegorical theme in District 9 is xenophobia and otherness. The aliens in the film are portrayed as different and strange, which leads to fear and suspicion from the human characters. This fear and suspicion eventually lead to violence and oppression.
The film highlights how people often fear what they do not understand, and how this fear can lead to discrimination and marginalization. The portrayal of the aliens as other also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, and how these qualities can help bridge the gap between different groups of people.
Social Segregation
District 9 also explores the theme of social segregation. The film shows how the aliens are forced to live in a specific area, away from the rest of society. This segregation leads to a lack of resources and opportunities for the aliens, which in turn leads to poverty and desperation.
The film’s portrayal of social segregation is a commentary on the real-world issue of income inequality and the marginalization of certain groups of people. The movie highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.
Human Rights Issues
Finally, District 9 is a powerful allegory for human rights issues. The film shows how the aliens are denied basic human rights, such as access to healthcare, education, and freedom of movement. This denial of rights leads to suffering and injustice for the aliens.
The film’s portrayal of human rights issues is a call to action for society to recognize the importance of protecting the rights of all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or other factors. The movie highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and action in the fight for human rights.
Film Techniques and Symbolism
Use of Cinematography
The film uses a documentary-style cinematography, with a lot of hand-held camera movement, which adds to the realism of the story. The camera work is also used to create a sense of claustrophobia and confinement, as the audience is often placed in tight spaces with the characters. The use of low angles and close-ups also helps to create a sense of tension and unease, especially during the action scenes.
Special Effects and Makeup
The special effects and makeup in the film are impressive, especially considering the relatively low budget. The aliens are brought to life through a combination of practical makeup and computer-generated effects, which gives them a unique and believable appearance. The practical effects are used to create the aliens’ physical characteristics, such as their tentacles and exoskeletons, while the computer-generated effects are used to create their movements and interactions with the environment.
Symbolic Objects and Settings
The setting of the film, District 9, is a symbol of the refugee slums that exist in the world today. The filth, mistreatment, savagery, oppression and racism that occurs in the district is a reflection of what real people go through on a day to day basis in order to survive. The aliens themselves are also symbolic, representing the oppressed and marginalized people of the world. Finally, the use of the “black liquid” as a plot device is symbolic of the dangers of greed and the consequences of exploiting others for personal gain.
Character Analysis
Wikus van de Merwe
Wikus van de Merwe is the main character of the movie, and he is initially portrayed as a bumbling and somewhat incompetent middle manager. However, as the film progresses, his character undergoes a transformation as he becomes more sympathetic towards the aliens and begins to understand their plight. This transformation is a key part of the allegory, as it represents the way in which people can change their attitudes towards marginalized groups if they are willing to listen and learn.
Christopher Johnson
Christopher Johnson is the leader of the aliens, and he is portrayed as a sympathetic and intelligent character. He is determined to find a way to reverse the effects of the alien technology and return to his home planet, but he also cares deeply about the well-being of his fellow aliens. His character is important because it represents the way in which marginalized groups can be strong and resilient even in the face of adversity.
MNU and the Government
MNU (Multi-National United) is the private military contractor that is tasked with managing the aliens in District 9. They are portrayed as ruthless and uncaring, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. The government is also portrayed as corrupt and indifferent to the plight of the aliens. These characters are important because they represent the way in which powerful institutions can perpetuate inequality and oppression.
Public and Critical Reception
Box Office Performance
District 9 was a commercial success, grossing over $210 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. It opened with $37.4 million in North America, making it the number one film at the box office. The film’s success was largely attributed to its unique concept and strong marketing campaign.
Critical Analysis
District 9 received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 90% of critics gave the film positive reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. The film was praised for its originality, social commentary, and visual effects. Several critics also noted the film’s intense action sequences and emotional depth.
Audience Response
Audiences responded positively to District 9, with many praising the film’s thought-provoking themes and engaging storyline. The film has since gained a cult following, with many fans praising its unique blend of science fiction and political commentary. Some viewers, however, criticized the film’s use of graphic violence and strong language.
Impact on Science Fiction
Genre Innovations
District 9 is often regarded as a groundbreaking film in the science fiction genre. Its unique blend of documentary-style filmmaking, found footage, and traditional narrative techniques created a new sub-genre of science fiction films. The movie’s gritty and realistic depiction of extraterrestrial life and its integration into human society added a new dimension to the science fiction genre. The film’s use of aliens as a metaphor for social issues such as apartheid, racism, and xenophobia was also a significant innovation.
Influence on Subsequent Films
District 9’s impact on science fiction can be seen in numerous subsequent films. The movie’s success paved the way for other low-budget, high-concept science fiction films, such as Ex Machina and Moon. The film’s influence can also be seen in blockbuster franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which frequently incorporates social commentary into their films.