Despite the revival of many genres with the boom in television series and their budgets, many genres of storytelling just have remained stagnant, or worse, still very much rotting in their graves. The genre of science fiction has had a revival that has been soft, far too tame and hardly ever considering the themes that the genre can represent. For the most part, the only science-fiction films I can think of in recent years belong to the unfortunate hands of Marvel and DC, where their superhero franchise titles implemented basic features of the genre: technological advancements, and that's about it. The cyberpunk sub genre has remained disappointing, void of the depth its books hold, but heavily reliant on the pretty neon lights of blue, purple, and orange. Again, a genre that has suffered greatly. I hate it, because these two genres are the ones I grew up loving the most, and always wanting more from. Whenever a title did appear to me, either new or old, I appreciated it greatly. Addicted to the stories and themes, the depth and the creativity in designs.
Now, when it comes to fantasy and science fiction, these two genres are full with incredible art. If you go through ArtStation, for example, you'll find some of the most creative character and background art imaginable. Incredible use of skills and beauty to create beautiful stories and worlds. But where are they in film? Robot designs are repetitive. Landscapes and architecture are too reliant on the present with slight modifications in special effects: again, the use of cyberpunk lighting comes into play. Slap on a few ads and neon tones, and you've got yourself modern cyberpunk. It is rare that I come across a film or television show of the science fiction genre that actually stands out with its designs. Something that makes it really memorable, and has you immersed in its world even after it ends. How often do you feel yourself inspired by the designs? To the point where you really notice them and feel the need to talk to others about them?
In my case, The Creator is that film. I really fell in love with this film. Its designs, the clear attention to art and world building. The extension beyond the hot theme of artificial intelligence right now and really giving us a creative universe that seems believable, full of growth. To the point where it doesn't just resemble depressing reality with a filter over it, but looks like it really is from a point in the future in which humanity has progressed in culture, design, and expectations. All at the hand of the aforementioned AI that it is now at war with. The creator is a sign of what these genres can really be, and proof that visually stunning films don't need an insane Hollywood blockbuster budget, just care.
And to my surprise, this film is currently at 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, but this is also coming from the critics that claim Black Panther is one of the greatest films of all time, so go figure.
The Creator
Director Gareth Edwards returns with another science fiction title from his sleeve, a sort of passion project justified from the success and career boosting contributions to the more modern Star Wars franchise, directing the much more appreciated entry of Rogue One. Though the director is also known for the 2014 Godzilla entry which kick-started the kaiju revival. Even in Rogue One you could see that Edwards liked his science fiction, exploring unique ideas and locations alongside the world of higher technology, combining it well with interesting cinematography that really puts emphasis on certain intense moments or certain items. The way the camera utilises perspectives to show scale, wide cinematic shots of massive structures and the danger they shadow over their surroundings. Such attention was also evident in his Godzilla title, which really teased the huge lizard in dark, cinematic moments that had punch to them. If you have seen either of those titles, The Creator is a very cool blend of those, truly something that puts modern Hollywood to shame.
Looking deeper into the crew of The Creator, it's easy to see more attention to science fiction in the art direction department. More connections to the world of modern Star Wars, familiarity with creating futuristic locations and items, a true passion for it and ability to convey the technological capabilities within a fictional world, while contributing to the world building aspects; depth through visuals, essentially. I took the time to go through the concept art, having seen the film and noticed how much of it truly felt like art. A rarity for me these days, as a huge fan of these genres, but as mentioned before: it's so neglected in true creativity. It's rare that you can watch a film and see the shots, and also see the concept art behind it in real time. A very special moment in the film viewing experience when it actually has you visualise the world beyond what's displayed. Particularly in the character designs; in some ways it resembles the abilities of the video game production side of things, where we often see that attention to designs in attempt to contribute to the world design, less so much in the world of film. And Edwards pulls inspiration from previous works, designs in both sound and visuals that are tweaked, made his own. Things that just work that don't need a whole lot of changing.
The Creator follows the modern science fiction trend on making a narrative that shows a futuristic humanity now at war with its own creation: the artificial intelligence. Robotics made with such similarities to humans that they seem near-identical. Their features copied from humans that have donated their appearances. Some robots contain basic features, no recognisable facial features, but still contain the fundamentals of humanity within. They feel, think, and can adapt and act accordingly to a situation like any other human. What I liked was that the film didn't really expand in blatant ways to display this, there was no forced moment in which this question was thrown to the audience, instead this is portrayed with locations and themes.
Mostly set in a variation of a 'New Asia', outside of Japan and China fortunately, a lot of the robots live in harmony in remote parts of the world, among nature in the mountains. Full of Buddhist, Hindustan, and general Asian themes, many of which practicing religion and mourning loss in religious ways. The implementation of religion was truly an interesting addition, where it instantly connected the idea of this artificial intelligence as still human, still feeling and capable of looking for a peaceful and meaningful life full of values. The film connects spirituality in a way that promotes the fragility of life for all living things; the idea that nothing is permanent, even a robot, therefore we share the same experience during our existences. Edwards injects these ideas through character design and location.
And interestingly, a contrast to the spiritual aspects that the artificial intelligence live by is the use of the human's NOMAD, a massive flying structure that uses technology to kill. It flying over the Earth's surface, leaving a huge blue light as it scans the ground in search of what humanity considers an enemy that must be wiped out. This contrast showing how humanity sees the robots as something that can't feel and live, but instead serves the purpose of serving mankind. Humanity very much enjoying the fruits of technological advancements, yet believing it can still control it to its interests. This is all done visually, through moments of intense action that are shot beautifully, or through the small moments of pacing that connect scenes together as the narrative moves forward.
Our protagonist portrayed by the talented John David Washington, the son of Denzel Washington. I have heavily enjoyed seeing his performances elsewhere, and I feel he very smartly chooses his works. His character is a human that is working undercover in attempt to stop the artificial intelligence and help mankind win the war, though his weakness is his humanity as he comes to find personal conflict through love. This contributes to the themes again, but is never forced or made stupidly apparent to the viewer, more minor moments that contribute to the character development and give us a reason to care for him, while also bridging his actions to the main story, all connected very well. And these personal conflicts within Washington's character are almost bland in a way, which I felt worked well in showing the side of him that has training to be a soldier, but still very motivated. To think of other actors that may have improved the character is difficult, I think part of what makes the film work is that many of the characters aren't all that recognisable. The world's creation benefits from this.
I have seen the film criticised for its pacing, where apparently it is good quick. Though I couldn't help but find its fast pacing interesting, the way it pulls you in and moves from one place to another, showcasing the rapid decline in the war as the humans quickly make their moves to pursue victory. Not to fail to mention, alongside the sound design and cinematography, this makes for some incredible action sequences that just feel real cool. And you only want more of it. Yet the film doesn't tease, it showcases snippets of this advanced world with pride, before moving on to the next, each showcasing more world building in its process.
Not really letting us breathe was actually quite refreshing, it was nice watching a film that didn't feel like it had the usual structure of filmmaking behind it, where you know when the film will slow down, then pick back up, and generally just giving you everything what to expect as you watch it. This works a lot, but it's nice to see something do other for once.
I'd say the film is heavily underrated, and absolutely worth a watch if you're into cyberpunk and science fiction themes, it's a rare gem hidden in the sea of generic nonsense that Hollywood buries the good with.
