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

 

Last night, we watched Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto.,

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 long drape, scrolled inlay, chandeliers.

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

Still miss the cartoons.

In my dotage, I prefer to recline on my chaise.

A light repast. A bev on my tray. 

Watch something over if I not sure what I seen.

Cigarette breaks.

*

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.

Artists is umbilically attached to the work.

To have it publicly took apart, diminished, or fatally misunderstood is wrenching.

The first thing that struck me 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.

When a group of hunters hears refugees coming in the forest – we stared at them thick leaves and branches a long time till they was made visible.

 The theme of trusting your gut ran all through the story.

Even as guts was being yanked out then tossed down steep steps.

The forest people were charming folks, who liked having a good time with each other.

Just minding they business.

Did not deserve what happened to them.

City dweller rampage of rape and murder.

Horrendous.

Mr. Gibson has a jones for graphic depiction.

*

No culture or religion in this world since time began,

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 hand seethed in pain and poverty.

The arrogant rich lived off sweat and blood, oblivious of anything but selfish appetites.

Lording over all, the boss men, on high pedestals.

Spouting diatribe and enriching themselves with illusionary power.

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.

 He gets his family out and a new beginning.

*

Spoiler:

The ominous presence of European sailing ships hints that the city dwellers were about to meet their match in trickery, ruthlessness, and butchery. Sorry we can’t stick around.

*

Me and the lady I live with watched all the credits as we talked over the film.

Mr. Gibson employed hundreds  ofactors, technicians, writers 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.

Hope they was real and not killed in the process.

If they was digital – very nice.

*

I’d give this film a thumb up.

But mine is permanently disabled.

  ;~}

Our hero prevailed.

All cheer.

 

  -lp08-