Oblivion
Dir: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman,
Olga Kurylenko, and
Andrea Riseborough
There is something to be appreciated about a film that isn’t
a sequel when the summer blockbuster season looms so close. However, it’s also
more difficult to sell audiences when you don’t have the momentum of a
franchise behind you. Oblivion, an
adapted graphic novel by director Joseph Kosinski, is a visually well-designed
science fiction mystery that begins with early promise but unfortunately
falters with an unsurprising third act that feels over influenced by familiar
material.

Oblivion is
director Joseph Kosinski’s second feature, his first being Tron: Legacy. Kosinski’s
design of the isolated Earth is striking. The subtle use of visual effects to
create a recognizable, though destroyed, landscape (the film was shot in
Iceland) keeps the film supported within a realm of practicality instead of
feeling overly manufactured. Jack cruises the desolated landscape in an imaginative
hybrid plane/helicopter and a transforming dirt bike. The well-designed props
and locations are further accommodated by a fantastic score, which is composed
by M83. Unfortunately the great supporting elements are only assisted for a
short time. The script introduces a mystery, and initially executes with potential,
but as the secrets reveal the narrative crumbles under the weight of its’ own
creation. For those familiar with popular science fiction films you’ll probably
notice that Oblivion pulls influence
from numerous sources in the final act, a decision that distracts from the
original ideas proposed early on in the film.
Cruise plays Jack with similar temperament to his past
heroic roles; basically a likable yet lost individual trying to uncover a
conspiracy while finding love, or some other emotion. Though Cruise is good in the simplistic role,
it would be interesting to see a different spin on this recognizable character.
The most interesting performance belongs with Riseborough’s character Victoria;
she is a straight-laced, rigid woman counting down the days till retirement.
Her characterization creates a vagueness in reference to her partnership with
Jack and her ultimate motivations. Morgan Freeman makes the most of his
minuscule appearance as Beech, the leader of a group of rebels still inhabiting
Earth. His introduction in the film alone is welcome enough in the scheme of
the narrative.
Oblivion is filled
with inspiring designs and an evocative atmosphere, which works to present an intriguing
introduction. As the mysteries unravel so does the film; familiarity sets in
and the conclusion becomes too reminiscent of other, better films. Still,
Kosinski’s ambition in attempting to create a new work of science fiction is commendable, even if it's not completely successful.
Monte’s Rating
3.00 out of 5.00
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