Hollywood studios don’t always seem to understand the sci-fi genre; or believe that people who watch sci-fi are socially-inept wasters with the discretion and intelligence of space junk. They seem to think that if they put in enough special effects and stunts the audiences won’t notice the lack of content. Occasionally a good movie will slip under the radar (and I don’t mean Stealth) and become a surprise hit or even a classic. Blade Runner, Alien, Twelve Monkeys and The Matrix immediately spring to mind and I’m sure there are others, (Star Wars goes without saying, but has a lot to answer for). The trouble is the bean counters try to capitalise on the success and create sequels and franchises that undermine the credibility of those that have gone before. Because the studios seem to have an aversion to anything original or thought-provoking they opt for the easy way out and adapt an existing property with an established fan base. And this seems to have been the case with Aeon Flux.
Peter Chung’s animated series on MTV’s Liquid Television was something new to most of their viewers: sci-fi in a fusion of anime and western animation with slightly subversive storylines and a strong female character. With such a sexy heroine it seemed inevitable that a live-action version would surface, especially given Hollywood’s current love affair with comic book adaptations. Unfortunately it seems the studio has made a movie with more input from the marketing department than the creative department. They have collected together some top acting talent with an Oscar winner in the lead role, an up and coming indie director aided by a talented crew. But when the list of producers is nearly as long as principal crew you know something has to be wrong.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future (this time brought about by a virulent disease), the survivors live in a seemingly Utopian society within a walled city that protects them from the ravages of nature. But naturally not everything as is perfect as it appears as people mysteriously vanish without trace. Our eponymous heroine is part of an underground movement intent on undermining, or even overthrowing, the established ruling power, the Goodchild family. When sent to kill the head of the family, Trevor Goodchild, our normally ruthless freedom fighter/terrorist (delete as appropriate to your views) cannot pull the trigger and she starts to discover that the perfect world isn’t so perfect after all. Although she aborts her primary objective, her overall mission remains the same, but her alliances change. The basic overall concept behind the story, while not wildly original, is reasonable but this is more thanks to Peter Chung’s original. The film even touches upon some issues relevant to our own world; government control of the citizens through a ‘nanny state’, or as big brother, if you prefer, and the idea of human cloning. Unfortunately, for all its lofty ideas, the film is let down by a poor script and some abysmal dialogue which leads to some very unconvincing delivery by a cast capable of so much more, which has the effect of negating any empathy you might feel for the characters. I do wonder if the actors signed on for the picture without reading the script first. Frances McDormand, who has excelled in so many Coen Brothers movies, and also Pete Postlethwaite, should have known better.
Charlize Theron is following in the footsteps of another Oscar-winning African American, Halle Berry (Charlize was actually born in Africa). First, Halle makes Catwoman after her Oscar for Monster’s Ball then Charlize does Aeon Flux after winning an award for Monster. Is it the curse of monster movies or the lure of jumping off buildings in skin-tight costumes? While the sight of Miss Theron’s contours will appeal to the audience of the admittance age, this soon wears as thin as the fabric of her costumes. If you want to see Charlize-flesh then you would be much better off watching The Devil’s Advocate, which also has some superb monologues delivered by Al Pacino. As for the action scenes, we do see Charlize stretch herself more than she did with other parts of the role, but it is not a patch on Summer Glau’s antics in Serenity and Trinity not only looks sexier but has some good moves of her own.
I really wanted to like this film, as there are so few strong female heroes in films, especially sci-fi ones, but I just wasn’t convinced and don’t think too many sci-fi fans will be either, or at least ones that visit this site. The film is produced by MTV and is obviously aimed at an MTV audience, to whom it will appeal. It is definitely style over substance and is filled with the attention-deficit editing that the station is so famous for in its music videos. In the end the film was as sterile and soulless as the citizens and environs of Bregna, with only faint memories of the original. Luckily the entire original animated series is about to be released on DVD.
Dark Horse Comics have also released a four-part tie-in Aeon Flux comic, which tells the story leading up to the film’s events (much like the Serenity comic did). The comic medium works much better as an alternative medium to the animation, mainly because the two are much closer in form. Also, with the limited space for dialogue, the lines that don’t work on screen are more acceptable in print. Preview pages of all four parts are available on the Dark Horse web site. A collected TPB version will be published on May 17 in the US and available here from your local comic shop through Diamond Comics.
We have some clips of the film (not trailers), so you can get an idea of what it is like. Broadband and QuickTime required. If you want to see more clips leave a message below.
 Montage (opening shots and some key action scenes) |
 Stabbing guards |
 The Chamber (Tanks for the memories) |
For more of everything Aeon Flux visit the official website.
A Podcast with the stars of the film, featuring a debate on whether the male action hero’s time is up, is available now. Click here to launch Podcast. Courstey of UIP. If you don’t have iTunes you can download for free here. Available for Mac and Windows.
To celebrate the release of the Aeon Flux DVD and movie we have some prizes to give away; Aeon Flux TV series DVDs, T-shirts and bags. To be in the draw answer the following question:
Aeon Flux creator Peter Chung created an animated version of another live action sci-fi character. Who was the character and who starred in the live action version? E-mail your answer by February 17.
DO NOT leave your answer or personal details in the comments box below. You will not be entered into the draw. Only one entry per household.