"Apocalypto" (Touchstone Pictures)
Mad Mel Does It Again
Director Mel Gibson may have had some personal problems lately but on screen he
is still a master of his craft. His new film "Apocalypto" would appear
to have everything going against it. It is almost obscenely violence, has no
"name" actors, and is in a Mayan dialect with subtitles. Still the
essence of the movie is terrific and it is a fascinating film to watch.
The story concerns a young man named Jaguar Paws (Rudy Youngblood). He lives in
a jungle in South America in a time before outsiders discovered his world. He
and his tribe live peaceably until one day when they are invaded by a tribe of
marauders. Jaguar Paws is captured, along with many others, and taken to a Mayan
pyramid where he is to be sacrificed.
Through a quirk of fate he is spared only to learn he will now be disposed of in
an off hand manner. He manages to escape from this situation too and the last
third of the movie deals with his efforts to outrun his captors.
The visuals on all of this are amazing. Gibson tells his story with little need
of dialogue, and so the subtitles are not a bother. It is a very physical film
and the exertions of the actors overshadow their emotions.
Having unknown actors in all the roles is a plus as they totally become the
characters they are playing. There is also a moderness to the storytelling in
that the humor is enjoyable in today's setting, and the "escape"
portion could be set in any time frame.
The movie is very violent which is what earned the film an "R" rating.
There are decapitations, stabbings, etc that are almost sickening to watch.
Still Gibson presents this as the culture of the people at this time and it is
acceptable in that context.
"Apocalypto" is not a movie for everyone. Those who have a weak
stomach where violence is concerned should stay away. But for those who enjoy a
strong action packed adventure this is one of the best. Gibson uses his camera
to go where no storyteller has gone before. He captures a time and place that is
not familiar to most audience members and makes it a fascinating place to set
his film.
"Apocalypto" proves you can never count Mel Gibson out. His talent
will rise to the surface each and every time. He proved it with "The
Passion" and he does so again with this latest film. If your nerves and
stomach can take it, go see it. It is unlike any movie you have seen in quite
some time.
I scored "Apocalypto" a savage 7 out of 10.