Retro Film Review: The Island (2005)

(source: tmdb.org)

At the turn of the 20th century, many scholars believed that science had reached its limits and that few groundbreaking discoveries awaited. It seems that contemporary Hollywood producers harbour similar sentiments towards science fiction. Each new science fiction film appears to be a mere repackaging of the older classics. One such example is Michael Bay's 2005 film, The Island.

The film commences in a vast subterranean high-tech facility, designed to safeguard survivors from the consequences of an environmental disaster that has devastated the Earth. The inhabitants of this new world lead comfortable lives, albeit under the constant surveillance of their enigmatic and sinister overseers, led by the psychiatrist Dr. Merrick (played by Sean Bean). The only source of excitement is the Lottery, with the winners earning the right to travel to the "Island" - the sole unpolluted place on Earth. The Lottery is a subject of intense speculation among Lincoln Six Echo (played by Ewan McGregor) and his companions. Lincoln's curiosity leads him to discover the harrowing truth behind the Lottery - he and thousands of other people are nothing more than clones, bred and raised to provide their "originals" with compatible organs. When Lincoln and his love interest, Jordan Two Delta (played by Scarlett Johansson), escape, they discover that the world is still intact and that they might find shelter in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Merrick hires a former French commando, Albert Laurent (played by Djimon Hounsou), to capture the fugitive clones.

The Island begins promisingly, which is a rare occurrence for Michael Bay's films. The first half of the film, set in the seemingly utopian futuristic facility, may evoke memories of Logan's Run, THX 1138, Coma, and other science fiction classics. Unfortunately, when the protagonists leave this setting, Bay seizes the opportunity to transform what could have been a thoughtful science fiction drama into a series of chases, fights, shootouts, and explosions that lack any coherence. The acting talents, just like the basic idea behind the script, are squandered. This includes Scarlett Johansson's assets, which can never be fully utilised in a film rated PG-13. Unsurprisingly, all the complex ethical questions concerning cloning or the true nature of human identity are completely overlooked.

Another frustrating aspect of The Island is Bay's adherence to the unwritten "politically correct" laws of Hollywood screenwriting. Sean Bean's character begins as a benevolent figure, but his peculiar British accent suggests a more sinister backstory. Djimon Hounsou's character starts as a villain, but his race makes it clear that he will undergo a moral transformation before the film ends.

Despite its intriguing premise and solid opening, The Island ultimately fails to build upon the legacy of classic science fiction films. This will undoubtedly be a heartbreaking experience for all the fans of the genre.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)

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I was quite disappointed in this movie as you were. In the beginning, everything was fine but when it was shown that they were clones and so on, everything went down the drain. I didn't like the twist it had, it's like the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, called Shutter Island. Both for me are disappointing.