Sixth Favorite Flick of 2014: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes My favorite science fiction film of this year, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes accomplishes what every great science fiction story has done before it and stands as a movie about something. Unlike inferior sci-fi outings, Dawn is not wholly concerned with blockbuster action and special effects, although it certainly excels in both categories. No, this is a movie that reflects upon our own warmongering and distrust as a species: utilizing the failed attempts at peace between the humans and apes in the film to craft a modern Shakespearean tragedy. This is a morality tale about the consequences of miscommunication, prejudice, and the fear for survival that can force groups of people into violence and war. The groups of humans and apes in the film are juxtaposed perfectly to create the necessary tension and conflict: particularly because of the desperation of humanity. Unlike the apes, who have constructed a stable and peaceful society that they wish to maintain, humanity has fallen to the brink of savagery after a virus wiped out most of civilization. The group of humans we follow in San Francisco (led by highly capable actors Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke) are running out of power and desperate to re-establish communications with the outside world. WHat they are abundant in however are guns, and there is an uneasy relationship between Clarke and Oldman that represent balanced arguments in how to go about their groups survival: force or attempted negotiation with the apes themselves. No disrespect to Clarke and Oldman, but the apes are even more interesting as the emotional core of the film: particularly Caesar and Koba. The former stands as one of my favorite movie heroes this year: a firm, strong, but wise leader who is not afraid to defend his family but is still open to giving the humans some chances at sustained peace. The latter is juxtaposed as this years premiere Iago-type villain: an abused and jealous second-in-command whose hatred and prejudice against humanity clouds his judgment and forces him down a path of violent betrayal. It is a Professor X and Magneto type of relationship that I can get behind, and one that drives the films themes and its emotionally tragic climax. This is a film that rocked me to my core when I saw it: a brilliant blend of classic science-fiction writing with excellent performances and stellar special effects to elevate it into the upper echelon of recent science-fiction. Great, great stuff.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:17:42 +0000
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