Oblivion is the story of a veteran astronaut who is assigned to extract the remaining resources from a war-torn Earth. While on this mission, he begins to question his existence. Whether you like it or not, the first thing that pops into your head is that this film is visually stunning. All of the futuristic technology looks incredibly glossy, and the landscapes are all in lavish detail. I know that great visuals do not necessarily make a good movie, but in this case the visual effects are what makes the movie work. Also, if you have seen Oblivion, then you know that there is plot twist after plot twist in this film. For me personally, this is what makes the film so re-watchable. When you find out the truth of what is going on, you cannot wait to watch the movie again. However, this is one of those films that you have to pay attention to or you will be utterly confused. Speaking of which, I have seen this film a few times and there is one detail that I have yet to pick up on. If Earth is supposed to be ravaged and war-torn, how and why is there a place with trees, running water and a cabin? That snippet bugs me every time I watch this movie. Other than that I flat-out love this film and, while the movie was financially successful, I think it is highly underrated.
Tom Cruise plays Jack. While this is an action movie, Cruise actually does not do much action. Jack is a man who is questioning his mission and his existence, and the way Cruise conducts himself with his physical movements and facial expressions perfectly conveys the way he feels. There is a sequence where Jack is standing in the middle of a football stadium, and reminiscing about a classic Super Bowl game that happened before the war. Cruises' energy in this sequence, where he has to imagine what the world was like before the invasion, is quite moving. Oblivion is a film that reminds you that Tom Cruise is not just an action star. He is a great actor.
Morgan Freeman plays Beech. What I love so much about this character is that you are not quite sure about him at first, and that is a credit to the way Freeman plays the character. Beech is quite menacing when he is first introduced, and you are actually frightened of Morgan Freeman on more than one occasion. It is because Freeman plays this character straight that, at least for a first-time viewer, you do not find out he is telling the truth until Jack finds out he is telling the truth. On a personal note, I remember that after I saw this movie in theaters I was in complete awe of the fact that I got to see Morgan Freeman in a film on the big screen. That man has been around the block a few times and, for me personally, he is still one of those actors that is completely untouchable when he is at the top of his game.
Joseph Kosinski is the director of Oblivion. First and foremost, I have to say that I love the way Kosinski directs action sequences because he uses the camera in ways that have never been done before, and they completely take your breath away. The scene where the drone attacks the scavengers' hideout is a primary example. Also, the exterior shots are stunningly gorgeous because you get to see the vast landscape and the sense of world-weariness is palpable. The other thing that stands out to me is the use of color in the film. There is great contrast when you see the glossy, futuristic technology that Jack uses going against a barren, lifeless planet.
Oblivion is another one of those films that reminds you why you go to the movies. It is fun to watch, and you completely get lost in the world that has been created. If you love action movies mixed with a tad of science fiction, and if you appreciate Tom Cruise as a talent like I do, I highly recommend you see this movie.
No comments:
Post a Comment