Cinema - Apocalypto

Apocalypto is the sort of movie that, if want to see it, you really ought to see it on the big screen. It’s the latest offering from Mel Gibson, and it’s an interesting hybrid from this increasingly complex film-maker. Set in Mexico in the 16th century, just before the Spanish Conquest catalysed the end of the already-corrupt Mayan Empire, it is an action movie with sub-titles, a beautifully shot visual treat full of hard-to-stomach violence. And I mean full.

The film comes in three parts, and the first is idyllic. Jaguar Paw (Rudi Youngblood) is a young man living among a peaceful tribe enjoying a simple life hunting and trying to increase the size of his family with his beautiful wife. Part two is the bloodiest bit: the village is invaded by marauding Mayans, who rape, pillage and carry off hostages for human sacrifice in the city, which you see in some detail. Then comes the final section: a 45-minute chase scene as Jaguar Paw escapes and tries to make it back home alive through numerous potentially fatal obstacles, with a bunch of savage Mayans on his trail. It’s one hell of an adrenaline rush. You can accuse Gibson of many things (anti Semitism comes to mind) but you can’t accuse him of lack of originality. An art-house action movie, with subtitles? Who’s he trying not to alienate? DL