When the Repo man comes.. its time to run
The premise for the film is quiet simple. Set in a dystopia future a mystery disease has killed the majority of the population. All looked lost for humanity until “Gene Co” offers a solution, they will replace your organs and save your life… for a fee. But there is no problem if you can’t pay now, you can pay on credit. Through the intro to the film it explains the company forced through new laws that made it possible to repossess the organs if the borrower could no longer pay.
I have to admit the opening to this film made me smile, largely because I can see how it would be entirely feasible for this to happen, big business is in the habit of making laws that are not good for the populous, so why not take back their organs? they don’t own them?
This film had a lot of promise, but staring Paris Hilton can it really work? She is not renowned for her glittering acting skill.
The Surprise
Based on the stage show this is literally an opera, as it should be pretty much every line is sung by a surprising cast and the whole things works amazingly well. This wonderful dark idea is slowly unwound around the people involved, revealing how their lives all intersect into the current events.
I am not going to go into how all the lives are interlinked, it will spoil some of the twists in the film, but I will say it is well thought out, and offers some great “ah ha” moments as events you have already been told about change when you see them from the other characters perspective.
As you have probably already worked out the story is pretty dark, but this is only the setting for two other stories. One of redemption and the other of hatred. Again the two stories are intertwined and eventually lead to the surprising conclusion.
The Critics
Going with what the critics say you would not see this film. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 33% (when “The Machine Girl” was terrible and managed 63%.. time to stop listening to them I think!). But all I can say is they are wrong, this is one of those films you just are not expecting.
I hesitate to compare it to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (if you have not seen it then put down your computer and go and see it right now), but I can see some similarity’s. Initially panned by the critics it eventually went on to achieve cult status because the people who got it, loved it.
I think this could be one of those films. You will either love it or hate it, and probably not be able to say why, or understand how others can feel differently to you. But at least it will pull a reaction from you, that is much better than a lot of films out there.
The Cast
Sarah Brightman gives a stand out performance
The cast includes Alexa Vega (Shilo) and Anthony Stewart Head (Repo man), two good actors who are great singers as well. But the real stand out character was Sarah Brightman (Blind Mag). Not only is she stunning, she has a amazing voice and one of the best characters in the film. She comes into the film towards the end, and is one of the most tragic figures. But her brief appearance gives the film a greater meaning and she is a joy to watch.
I have to talk about Paris Hilton. I don’t know if she is very brave, or very stupid. The role she plays is that of one of the heirs to the “Gene Co” fortune, but because of the nature of the company and her family wealth, she and her two brothers are completely insane. All three roles are played excellently and the director knows just how to use her to best effect. While here appearances are brief they are also memorable. Don’t let her appearance in the credits put you off, she is worth seeing in this film.
The Art
This whole film only works because of the fantastic art direction. Through out the film there are cut scenes to a comic that lays out the complex back story of the events that have gotten the characters to the current point. These are well done and help move the story and a great place. Though I did get the feeling some parts of the story were glossed over. There is also some amazing set design, and CGI work that is really worth watching.
But my favourite part of the design is the mock Russian propaganda style posters. They fit perfectly with this almost fascist view of the future.
Technical
I watched this on Blu-Ray. This film is very dark, with a rich palette of colour, it is definitly worth getting in HD. You are also rewarded with a great soundtrack, that benefits from the better quality Blu-Ray provides.
Finally
See this film! Some parts will be hard to watch, but it will make you think, and that is what all good films should make you do.
Look out for a very special cameo in the middle of the film when Shilo rocks out!