This fantastic adaptation of Saoirse Ronan Ya with a villain Bill Murray was lost in the 2000s

The film landscape of the 2000s seems to be riddled with curious but unlucky projects that were brought back at the time of their release and were lost in the midst of the greatest franchises. A notable example is a fantastic adventure film, Citywho had the misfortune to be released in 2008, when public attention was largely concerned about The black knightA new James Bond film, the first Sex and city film, as well as the beginning of Dusk series. Directed by Gil KenanFor whom it was a direct functionality, City looks a lot like at the beginning of a much larger and more complex story – because it is. The film is based on the first novel of Ember books The series and was supposed to be followed by the adaptations of it, but the disappointing box-office killed the franchise before it really begins. A real shame, since the original series of books Ya written by Jeanne Duprau And Kenan’s film are filled with captivating ideas, engaging visual concepts and a socially aware program that reads quite prophetic.

What is “City of Ember” talking about?

The story takes place about 200 years after a global disaster that has led humanity undergroundwhere the city holder of EMPER had been built. Each mayor of the city has the task of passing the mysterious metal box with precious instructions to his successor, until the box opens and reveals its content in due course. As the main events of the film begin, the box was thrown and forgotten, Leave the residents of EMBER with little or no hope when the power outages begin and the generator threatens to fail for good. Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway), the son of an unlucky inventor, Loris (Tim Robbins), wishes to work on the generator to try to repair it, but during the graduation ceremony, where the professions are allocated by lottery, he is responsible for being the city’s messenger.

Doon changes transactions with her friend, Lina Mayfleet (Ronan Stewart), to do pipework, and in their new capacities, The two young people discover curious details on the true nature of things in their city and the power that governs it. The said power here is symbolized by the last mayor, Cole, played to perfection by Bill MurrayLike a satire of representatives of the state which ooze charisma in the world but are irreversibly corrupt by the minimal power which is assigned to them. Murray plays the character not with the noisy energy which is often imminent for the dystopian bad guys, but with a reserved apathy. Faced with the imminent apocalypse, Mayor Cole does not seem to have the will to lead Machiavellian patterns, but instead, is content with simple pleasures To the detriment of the people he is supposed to serve.

This fantastic film may not be full of action, but it is filled with a great feeling of wonder and adventure

One of the most common criticisms of the film at the time of its release was its appropriate lack of action and excitement, which seems a little unfair, because this episode was supposed to be a configuration for more grandiose things to come. While The story in City is self -sufficient and obtains a somewhat appropriate closureThere is always an obvious note “and then …” In the end, which could also have added to the mixed reactions and criticism. Another point of contradiction was the PG note of the film, which prevented him from becoming completely dark. But even if the camera moves away from death here, its implications are always present, as in the majority of the best stories of transition to adulthood, as well as The feeling of danger that threatens not only the main characters, but their world as a whole.

Gil Kenan, who would continue to lead 2015 Poltergeist And Ghostbusters: frozen empirewas mainly known for his animated film, Monster house at the time. His experience in animation seems to have had an influence on the style of its live debutwhich is decorated with a complex work with a palette of colors and a geometry of space, and leans towards visual narration. The film is full of images and creative conceptions, including those of several fun devicesLike the answering machine that belonged to Lina’s parents. Contrary to the way this happens in animated films, various characters also reveal themselves as full -fledged aesthetic tools – of the mayor of Murray and his assistant Shifty, played by Toby Jonesto young protagonists. Ronan and Treadaway are excellent for emanating a real sense of mystery and wonder that has just entered into adult life and rediscovering their reality.

From a current point of view, City also resembles a fantastic metaphor for very real and relevant problems. The dystopian version of the world is about to collapse, the resources are almost over, the vital generator is broken and the government simply throws vaguely sound and reassuring statements. While the authors, according to the spirit of the novel, praise the location of youth in the fight for the future, They also take the opportunity to recognize the role of fate, as well as some of the least attractive sides of human behavior. The moles and giant insects hide around the tunnels of the dark city, but they present themselves especially as a red herring rather than a real danger, as City Clearly shows that, most of the time, real evil has no wood or claws, but comes down to humans seduced by easy access to canned pineapple.