This impressive short takes a documentary form, but it's definitely no Christopher Guest style mockumentary. Instead it's got aliensreally realistic looking ones, with mech-style "bio-suits". Set in an imaginary South Africa where aliens have landed and taken up residence, Alive in Joburg poses as a documentary intent on examining how life has changed for residents there, interchanging interviews with realistic CG. The visuals are excellent and while the film's attempt to equate the aliens reception by locals with South Africa's Apartheid era are somewhat transparent, any attempt at social metaphor earns kudos from me.
The director, Neill Blomkamp, is celebrated for his advertising work, and won for himself based largely on this short I would presumethe directing gig for the new Halo film. I must say, based on this film, it looks like a truly inspired choice.
Check out all of our weekly reviews at ShortoftheWeek.com
The director, Neill Blomkamp, is celebrated for his advertising work, and won for himself based largely on this short I would presumethe directing gig for the new Halo film. I must say, based on this film, it looks like a truly inspired choice.
Check out all of our weekly reviews at ShortoftheWeek.com