Compare and Contrast Essay, Elysium vs. Oblivion
Jocelyn Lee
Faraci, M
ENG3U1-05
14 May 2015
Two Dystopian Worlds Alike Post-apocalyptic and dystopian worlds are becoming more popular in today’s film industry. Released in 2013, both Elysium and Oblivion also fall into this category of declining populations and corrupted governments. Upon their initial release, movie critics and general audiences argued that there are notable similarities between the two movies, some saying they were even getting the two mixed up. Other movie goers simply stated that both movies have two very different plot lines, resulting in a compelling and unique viewing experience for both. Although the two films differ in terms of plots, they, as stated before, have a common post-apocalyptic, dystopian theme with a science fiction and futuristic feel. Moreover, the protagonists of Elysium and Oblivion share the same morals and goals, as well as multiple defining character traits. In agreement with the majority of viewers, these blockbusters do have many distinct attributes in common. The obvious differentiating factor between the two movies is their plot. Clearly, these concepts must be different from each other to avoid any complications. Firstly, the main story of Elysium outlines the life of a man named Max DeCosta who is given only a few days to live. In order to survive, his only option, like many others on Earth, is to gain access to a med bay located on the Elysium Space Station. The Elysium Space Station, the origin of the film’s title, houses only the rich and governs a tyrannical system that prevents stowaways of Earth from gaining access. A med bay is a futuristic healing machine with the ability of curing any disease or illness. Max says to Spider, the only person able to transport him to Elysium, “I’m dying. I need to get up there. I can pay you back when I’m cured, when I’m better. Then I can do whatever you want. But I need to get up there.” (Blomkamp, Elysium) Spider eventually makes an agreement with Max and Max begins to
Faraci, M
ENG3U1-05
14 May 2015
Two Dystopian Worlds Alike Post-apocalyptic and dystopian worlds are becoming more popular in today’s film industry. Released in 2013, both Elysium and Oblivion also fall into this category of declining populations and corrupted governments. Upon their initial release, movie critics and general audiences argued that there are notable similarities between the two movies, some saying they were even getting the two mixed up. Other movie goers simply stated that both movies have two very different plot lines, resulting in a compelling and unique viewing experience for both. Although the two films differ in terms of plots, they, as stated before, have a common post-apocalyptic, dystopian theme with a science fiction and futuristic feel. Moreover, the protagonists of Elysium and Oblivion share the same morals and goals, as well as multiple defining character traits. In agreement with the majority of viewers, these blockbusters do have many distinct attributes in common. The obvious differentiating factor between the two movies is their plot. Clearly, these concepts must be different from each other to avoid any complications. Firstly, the main story of Elysium outlines the life of a man named Max DeCosta who is given only a few days to live. In order to survive, his only option, like many others on Earth, is to gain access to a med bay located on the Elysium Space Station. The Elysium Space Station, the origin of the film’s title, houses only the rich and governs a tyrannical system that prevents stowaways of Earth from gaining access. A med bay is a futuristic healing machine with the ability of curing any disease or illness. Max says to Spider, the only person able to transport him to Elysium, “I’m dying. I need to get up there. I can pay you back when I’m cured, when I’m better. Then I can do whatever you want. But I need to get up there.” (Blomkamp, Elysium) Spider eventually makes an agreement with Max and Max begins to