Saturday, September 27, 2014

Divergent

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
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This film is based off the novel of the same title written by Veronica Roth. In the ruins of Chicago, a group of people have survived by splitting themselves into five fractions; abnegation (the selfless), amity (the peaceful), candor (the honest), dauntless (the brave), and erudite (the intelligent). Before deciding on which fraction they will join, they are given a test to learn in which fraction they belong. There are a few, like Beatrice Prior, who do not fall into any single category and are known as divergent's. These divergent's are viewed as a threat to current society because they are freethinkers. Beatrice struggles to hide herself within her chosen fraction and protect her family.

This film was directed by Neil Burger. This film has an obviously message and a story plot that resembles several recent teenage films. The message in this film is to avoid conformity at all costs. The film spends a lot of time trying to rely this message that it does not take time to show more of the world the characters live in. Even though the script is highly predictable, it spends a lot of time developing its two main protagonist characters. Unfortunately, there isn't enough in this plot to make the film feel necessary. Although, this film does find some creativity by devising a test that challenge a person's will and discover the truth of who they are. Humorously, it is surprising that nobody goes insane during these tests. With everything being so predictable and familiar it lacks originality. Making this a bad start for the potential franchise. Shailene Woodley played the role of Beatrice Prior/Tris. Her reserved nature changes through the film enough to show some great character progression. She does bring a scrap of life into what could have been a dead end film. Theo James played the role of Four. He was a great supporting actor for Woodley. He gave the film its emotional turmoil. Kate Winslet played the role of Jeanine Matthews. She created a great villain to oppose Woodley and James. It's saddening that she didn't appear more on film.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has a good base for a young adult anti-conformity film. it is also a good base for starting the upcoming franchise. However, any future plots could do with a little more spice to liven a deadpan story.

Answer to last blog: Director John Pogue wrote the screenplay for Ghost Ship.

Que: What other film has actress Shailene Woodley starred in?

The Bling Ring
Spring Breakers
The Fault in our Stars
Aquamarine

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