"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.
