This year, there have already been two futuristic post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi flicks (Oblivion and After Earth) in addition to two upcoming end-of-the-world comedies (This is the End and The World’s End). And yet, the one generating the most buzz is Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium. Sony Pictures has just released a singular new still which features Matt Damon ready to square off against District 9 standout Sharlto Copley, who looks decidedly more intimidating than he ever did in District 9.
This is the first bit of promotional marketing since the arrival of the poster and trailer last April. Sony has been playing it close to the chest with Elysium, which in turn only builds up the hype for the film everybody has been waiting for since viewing Blomkamp’s feature-debut District 9 in 2009. This sophomore big-budget follow-up promises to repeat District 9‘s trick of juggling sci-fi thrills, shocking violence, and sharp political agenda.
Set in 2159, the film centers on the oppressed people of the ruined planet Earth fighting against those who live on a pristine man-made space station: Elysium. On the official movie website, Sony pitches the movie as, “The people of Earth are desperate to escape the planet’s crime and poverty, and they critically need the state-of-the-art medical care available on Elysium – but some in Elysium will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve their citizens’ luxurious lifestyle.”
Matt Damon stars as Max, an ex-convict man-on-a-mission fighting for equality. As shown in the picture, Damon’s character is outfitted with a metallic exoskeleton that enhances his strength and includes a digital-neural hookup as part of his plan to get aboard Elysium. Also seen in the still is Sharlto Copley, whose character is hired to stop Max. Max is additionally up against Jodi Foster, who plays a government official intent on enforcing anti-immigration laws.
Elysium will finally hit theatres August 9.
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