Apocalypto

Apocalypto (2006) - 6/10

First Viewed: 3/24/08
Mel Gibson (Dir.)
Dean Semler (DP)
Starring Rudy Youngblood as Jaguar Blood

Mel Gibson's film is a work of contradictions. It is at once a bizarre tale - described as "science-fiction-like" in another review - of a Mayan Empire that isn't historically accurate and a standard story about an individual who tries to regain his life and dignity after they are denied by evil imperial forces.

Apocalypto is a film that I hated and enjoyed. The first third contains a number of stupid situations that depict the wonderful life of our protagonist, Jaguar Blood, before the Mayan imperialists enter the picture. This includes a hunt that culminates in JB bullying a fellow hunter into eating the testicles of a freshly caught pig. Then, a party of Mayans, complete with villains so evil and bloodthirsty that their behavior borders on caricature, attacks JB's village and takes the survivors to the Mayan capital for human sacrifices.

Gibson has a perverse fascination with the human condition. His camera seems to linger almost lovingly on increasingly horrendous acts of violence and cruelty. The first half, which culminates with the raid and the sacrifices, contains some of the most brutal violence I have ever seen in a film; these are accompanied by a number of incredibly grotesque and disturbing images that certainly don't make the film a pleasant viewing experience.

The second half of the film, however, is an extended chase sequence in which JB runs away from and outwits his Mayan oppressors. While the sequence is not given an original treatment, it is exceptionally well executed. It held my interest for over forty-five minutes and was very entertaining. So, I have to give Gibson credit; he can actually be a pretty good filmmaker.

The film's visuals are another positive aspect. The make-up, the sets, and many of the shots are quite beautiful and "authentic" looking. In addition, this film has the best HD transfer, for better or for worse considering the subject matter, I have ever seen.