The Reel Facts on ELYSIUM

 

Despite the fact that there are only a few weeks left in the Summer Movie Season, there is still enough time to squeeze in one more sci-fi thriller. This week, ELYSIUM makes earthfall, with Reel Speak setting the stage by way of the Frequently Asked Questions:

How the hell do you pronounce ELYSIUM? – It’s pronounced \i-li-zhe-um\. It comes from the Ancient Greek conception of the afterlife in which a realm (called Elysium), which is separate from Hades (hell) is a place reserved for mortals related to gods and other heroes. It eventually evolved to include those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic (remember that for the next question).

What in the Hades is this all about? – In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a high-tech space station called Elysium, which offers a utopian living for the super-rich with access to medicines which cure all disease, while everyone else lives on the overpopulated and disease-ridden ruined planet Earth. The main character in the film has a deadly virus and has only five days to find a way to get to Elysium for a cure.

Who is directing this? – ELYSIUM is directed by Neill Blomkamp, who last brought us the Oscar-nominated DISTRICT 9 in 2009.

Who are the actors? – ELYSIUM stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, William Fichtner, and DISTRICT 9 alum Sharlto Copley.

What’s the big deal? – ELYSIUM stands out amidst the typical Hollywood release due to its originality. It is not based on a book, comic book, graphic novel, or stone tablet. It is not a remake or reboot of an existing property. It is an original tale based on an original idea. Films based on original ideas offer more opportunity for debate, discussion, and inspiration for some original thought of our own. This is where the fun begins.

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ELYSIUM opens on August 9^th in 2D and 2D IMAX and is rated R.