Apocalypto, directed by Mel Gibson, unauthorized reviewing by LuRain Penny

 

Last night, we watched Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, here at home on the little tv.

Setting in a movie house, nowadays, don’t hold no appeal for me.

Too modern, too loud, all together too colorful, coming at you every which way.

Movie houses of my youth were beautiful. Decorated all with long drape, scrolled inlay, and chandeliers.

For a very few cents, you could transport yourself into other worlds all day.

I miss the cartoons.

In my dotage, I prefer to recline on my chaise, with a light repast and a bev on my tray. Take the odd cigarette break, or watch something over if I not sure what I seen.

*

I had no idea what to expect. Of course, I had inkling it had created a lot of ambivalent reaction. Mr. Gibson felt pressured to defend it, which he did in varying degrees of clarity. An artist is umbilically attached to their work. It is very wrenching to have it publicly took apart, diminished, or fatally misunderstood.

The first thing that struck me, when the film began, was the beauty of the nature there where they was, in the jungle forests of an ancient land.

Mr. Gibson’s has a remarkable eye; his images are consistently intriguing, enthralling, and deep. Remember how the group of hunters first sees refugees in the forest? We stared at them leaves and branches a long time, till they were made visible to us.

The theme of trusting your gut ran all through the story, even when guts was being yanked out and tossed down steep steps.

The forest people were funny folks, who liked having a good time with each other. Just minding they business. Did not deserve what happened to them. The scenes where the city dwellers came to rape and murder were horrendous.

It come to my mind no culture or religion in this world since time began,

have resisted displacing, over-riding, subjugating, and ethnically cleansing.

Human history is an embarrassment of brutal acts.

Maybe that is why Mr. Gibson chose to dedicate this work to Abel;

 ‘brother killing brother’?

*

The difference in life style between the forest people and the ‘civilized’ made a comment on the structures in place worldwide, from the inception of hierarchical systems. Among the foresters, there was a sense of community and sharing, of equality.

The city on the other had, had its underbelly, seething in pain and poverty. The rich and arrogant who lived off sweat and blood, oblivious of anything but selfish appetites. And lording over all, the boss men, on high pedestals.

Spouting diatribe and enriching themselves with illusionary power, by praying on the fear of their subjects. Sound familiar? That is history in a nutshell, across the board.

Mr. Gibson’s story is about the man who got away. Aided by luck, chance, and the ability to instantly turn situations to his advantage escape: under, over and around the most difficult obstacles, was achieved.

He accomplishes his promise. He gets his family out and a new beginning.

The ominous presence of European sailing ships at the end hints that the city dwellers were about to meet their match in trickery, ruthlessness, and butchery.

*

We watched all the credits, as we talked over the film. Mr. Gibson employed many actors, technicians and such, thousands maybe. Giving people work is always a good thing.

We noticed there was no mention of whether animals were hurt making the film.

I know nothing about the technological business, except that some effects is made by computer. Credit to the tapir, monkey, snake, frog, bees, and jaguar.

I hope they were real and not killed in the process.

I’d give this film a thumb up, if mine weren’t permanently disabled.

I don’t take its factual history to task. Creative license forgoes footnotes.

Our hero prevailed. All cheer.

  ;~}

 

  -lp08-