District 9 Flashcards
Log line
When a government organization is tasked with relocating extraterrestrial refugees to a segregated slum in Johannesburg, a field agent assigned to the project transforms into one of the aliens and goes on the run, leading to a journey of self-discovery and a showdown against those seeking to exploit the alien race.
Themes
Xenophobia/ othering
Power and control
Social segregation
Transformation
Identity
Themes: xenophobia and othering
The theme of xenophobia/othering, or fear and hatred of outsiders or foreigners, is a central aspect of District 9. This theme is represented through the way the extraterrestrial aliens are treated and perceived by the human population in Johannesburg, South Africa. Examples of xenophobia in the film include:
- Segregation
2.discrimination - Dehumanization
- Fear of the unknown
By showing the consequences of xenophobia/othering, District 9 critiques the way society treats those who are perceived as different and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. Through the transformation of the main character, Wikus, the film suggests that personal experience and exposure to the “other” can lead to a greater understanding and a breaking down of xenophobic attitudes.
Power and control
The theme of power and control is central to District 9 and is portrayed through the actions of the government and military organizations, as well as the impact of their actions on the extraterrestrial aliens and the main character, Wikus.
1.government control
2. militaristic control
3. Exploitation
4.control over individual lives
District 9 uses the theme of power and control to critique the way society is often dominated by those in positions of power, and to highlight the importance of individual agency and resistance to such control. The film suggests that those who are oppressed can resist and overcome the control of those in power through solidarity and determination.
Social segregation
The theme of social segregation, or the physical and social separation of different groups within society, is a central aspect of District 9. This theme is represented through the treatment of the extraterrestrial aliens and their forced separation from the human population in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- District 9
2.discriminatory laws - Economic exploitation
- Lack of access to resources
By showing the consequences of social segregation, District 9 critiques the way society separates and oppresses those who are perceived as different. The film highlights the importance of breaking down such barriers and promoting understanding and empathy between different groups. The transformation of the main character, Wikus, suggests that personal experience and exposure to the “other” can lead to a greater understanding and a breaking down of segregationist attitudes.
Transformation
The theme of transformation in District 9 is embodied in the character arc of the protagonist, Wikus van der Merwe. Through his transformation, the film explores the impact of exposure to new experiences and ideas on a person’s identity, beliefs, and values.
1.Wikus physical transformation
2.changing attitude towards aliens
3.transformation through knowledge
4. Transformation through adversity
District 9 uses the theme of transformation to suggest that exposure to new experiences and knowledge can lead to a reconsideration of one’s beliefs and values. By depicting the transformation of Wikus, the film highlights the importance of empathy and understanding between different groups and the power of the individual to make a positive impact on the world.
Identity
The theme of identity is explored through the character of Wikus van der Merwe and the extraterrestrial aliens in the film. The film uses the concept of identity to explore questions of belonging, self-discovery, and the impact of societal norms and expectations on an individual’s sense of self.
- Wikus personal identity crisis
- Alien identity
3.the impact of societal norms and expectations
4.the struggle for belonging
District 9 uses the theme of identity to explore the complex and multi-faceted nature of identity and how it is shaped by societal norms and expectations. The film suggests that identity is a fluid and dynamic concept that is constantly shaped by experiences and the relationships an individual has with others. By exploring the transformation of Wikus and the aliens, the film highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in shaping one’s sense of self.
Protagonists
- Wikus van der Merwe
Wikus is introduced to the audience as a typical bureaucrat, and through his transformation does he become a non-typical hero.
- Christopher Johnson
Introduced to the audience as a potential leader, or at the very least, a more motivated/”intelligent” character of his species. He is a supplementary protagonist to Wikus.
Protagonist
is the central character in a story, who is typically the main character around whom the events of the story revolve.
The protagonist is usually seen as the hero of the story, and often is portrayed as having a journey or quest to complete. They typically face challenges and obstacles throughout the story, and their actions and decisions drive the narrative forward.
Antagonists
1.MNU
Although not a physical entity, MNU can be seen as Wikus and Christopher’s (and by extension all the aliens) “primary” antagonist. They are both relentless hunted/persecuted by MNU in order to gain Wikus’s ability to control the alien weapons/technology.
- Koobus Venter
Koobus works as an agent for MNU. We are introduced to him as having an intense dislike for Wikus. Throughout the film Koobus’s sole mission is to capture Wikus. That mission changes towards the end of the film, where he abandons all pretense in capturing Wikus and instead progresses to intent to murder.
Koobus also has a severe hatred towards the aliens, and does not hesitate to resort to violence, sometimes fatally.
- Obesandjo
Obesandjo is introduced as the leader of the Nigerians, who as a group, are located within “District 9”. We do not know whether they were forced there or elected to set themselves up there. They are linked to crime, prostitution and the sale of “muthI” within “District 9”.
Obesandjo is obsessed with consuming alien body parts in order to “obtain their power” as the Nigerians have amassed a cache of alien weaponry but can’t use it. This obsessions is focused on Wikus when Wikus’ mid-transformation arm is revealed.
4.Piet Smith
Wikus’s father-in-law/boss could be viewed as a “face” of MNU, as the company is not a physical entity. He lies to Tania (his daughter/Wikus’s wife) about Wikus’s condition and status. He ultimately orders Koobus to track/hunt down Wikus.
Antagonist
is a character in a story who is in opposition to the protagonist, often serving as the main obstacle or challenge to the protagonist’s goals.
The antagonist is often portrayed as the villain or the “bad guy” in the story, but can also be a force of nature, society, or fate. The antagonist creates conflict in the story and drives the plot forward as the protagonist tries to overcome or defeat the antagonist’s challenges.
Wikus van der Merwe
Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is the protagonist of the film District 9. He is a complex and dynamic character who undergoes significant transformation throughout the course of the film.
• Background: Wikus is a government bureaucrat who is tasked with relocating the aliens in District 9 to a new settlement. He is initially portrayed as a selfish, self-serving, and condescending individual who sees the aliens as inferior. Often referring to them using the derogatory term “prawn”; even in “formal” settings.
• Transformation: Through the course of the film, Wikus transforms from a human into an alien-like creature. This transformation causes him to question his own identity and forces him to confront his previous beliefs and attitudes towards the aliens.
• Redemption: As he transforms, Wikus begins to understand and empathize with the aliens and develops a new sense of compassion and humanity. This redemption arc serves to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in shaping one’s identity and beliefs.
• Struggle for survival: Wikus is pursued by the government and MNU corporation, which seek to capture and study him due to his transformation. This struggle for survival highlights the theme of power and control in the film, as well as the lengths individuals will go to in order to protect their own interests.
• Relationships: Throughout the film, Wikus forms relationships with a number of characters, including the aliens, his wife, and his father-in-law. These relationships serve to shape his understanding of the world and his place within it, and highlight the impact of relationships in shaping one’s identity and beliefs.
In “District 9,” Wikus van der Merwe is a well-developed and multi-dimensional character who serves as a vehicle for exploring the film’s central themes and ideas. Through his transformation, the film explores questions of belonging, self-discovery, and the impact of societal norms and expectations on an individual’s sense of self.
Christopher Johnson
Christopher Johnson (motion capture performed by Jason Cope) can be seen as the “secondary” protagonist in the film District 9. He is an extraterrestrial alien and a central figure in the film’s story.
• Alien physiology: Christopher is depicted as a non-human, insect-like being, which serves to highlight the theme of otherness in the film. This depiction allows the film to explore the impact of encountering and interacting with non-human life forms.
• Mission: Christopher is revealed to be on a mission to retrieve a piece of alien technology that has been stolen from his ship and is crucial to the survival of his species. This mission serves to provide the film with a central narrative conflict, as well as to highlight the theme of power and control.
• Relationship with Wikus: Christopher forms a relationship with Wikus van der Merwe, the protagonist of the film, which serves to highlight the theme of empathy and understanding. Through this relationship, the film explores the impact of personal relationships in shaping one’s beliefs and attitudes.
• Alien community: Christopher is shown to be a leader and representative of his alien community, which serves to highlight a theme of community and belonging. Through his interactions with his community, the film explores the impact of community dynamics on individual identity and behavior. We are introduced the idea that the aliens have the ability to procreate (we don’t see how other than they are born from eggs) however, we do not see any child aliens except for Christopher’s son (no name is suggested/given).
• Transformation: Christopher undergoes a transformation of his own throughout the course of the film, which serves to parallel the transformation of Wikus. This transformation highlights personal growth and self-discovery, as well as the impact of personal experiences on one’s sense of self.
In District 9, Christopher Johnson is a well-crafted and multi-dimensional character who serves as a foil for Wikus van der Merwe, the protagonist of the film. Through his mission and interactions with Wikus, the film explores themes such as belonging, identity, empathy, and personal transformation.
Koobus Venter
Koobus Venter (David James) is a character in the film “District 9.” He is a mercenary and a secondary antagonist in the film’s story.
• Mercenary background: Koobus is depicted as a mercenary who works for MNU (Multi-National United), the corporation that is in charge of the aliens in District 9. This background serves to highlight the theme of power and control, as well as the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
• Ruthlessness: Throughout the film, Koobus is shown to be ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. This depiction serves to highlight the theme of power and control, as well as the dehumanizing effects of unchecked ambition and greed.
• Relationship with MNU: Koobus is shown to be in a close relationship with MNU, which serves to highlight the theme of power and control, as well as the corrupting influence of corporate interests. Through this relationship, the film explores the impact of corporate interests on individual behavior and values.
• Conflict with Wikus: Koobus is shown to be in conflict with Wikus van der Merwe, the protagonist of the film, which serves to provide the film with a central narrative conflict. This conflict serves to highlight the theme of power and control, as well as the impact of societal norms and expectations on individual behavior and values.
• Lack of empathy: Throughout the film, Koobus is shown to be lacking in empathy and to view the aliens as nothing more than tools to be used for his own ends. This depiction serves to highlight the theme of otherness, as well as the dehumanizing effects of prejudice and hate.
In District 9, Koobus Venter is a well-crafted and multi-dimensional character who serves as a secondary antagonist in the film’s story. Through his ruthless behavior and close relationship with MNU, the film explores themes such as power and control, corporate interests, and the dehumanizing effects of unchecked ambition and greed.
Obesandjo
Obesandjo (Eugene Khumbanyiwa) is a character in the film District 9. He is the leader of the Nigerians who reside in “District 9”.
• Crime Lord: The Nigerians are revealed to be linked to criminal activity within “District 9” through character interviews; mainly alien weaponry and inter-species prostitution.
• Ruthlessness: Obesandjo does not hide the fact he is ok with alien’s being killed; especially in front of him. This normally leads to the recently deceased alien getting hacked up to harvest body parts.
• Muthi: Obesandjo is obsessed with the idea that if he eats alien body parts he will harness/acquire their power. This is encouraged by his entourage. This follows the concept of “muthi” within South African culture. This obsessed ultimately turns to Wikus upon seeing his half-alien half-human arm. Like with many of the driving forces within the film, this obsession is rooted in the desire to control the alien weapons.
• Conflict with Wikus: Due to his obsession with alien body parts, Obesandjo makes it his sole mission to capture Wikus with the intent to hack his alien arm off and consume it. He instructs his mergences to capture Wikus and bring him to him.
• Struggle for Survival: Although we don’t see how, or more importantly why, the Nigerians move into “District 9” - we need to understand that Obesandjo is ultimately a survivor within his environment. Being disabled and seen as a “criminal” his life can be interpreted as difficult.
Death: His obsession ultimately backfires where amidst the ensuring action, Christopher’s son initiates a protocol that activates alien technology. This activates an alien exosuit that Obesandjo is keeping within his compound. This suit determines that everyone in the room is a threat except Wikus and proceeds to eliminate all threats.
Piet Smith
Piet Smit (Louis Minnaar) is a character in the film “District 9.” He is the managing director of “MNU South Africa”.
• Wikus’s Boss: Piet promotes Wikus to manage the eviction operation at the start of the film. This can be seen as a good thing initially, but it could be argued that Piet set Wikus up to fail in order to have a potential excuse to get rid of him.
• Faither-in-Law: It is revealed early on that Piet is Wikus’s father-in-law, stating that this did not factor in his decision to promote Wikus. As the story unfolds, Piet is shown to have a dislike of Wikus in relation to his (Wikus) marriage to Tania (Piet’s daughter).
• Orders: Once Wikus has begun his transformation, Piet’s primary objective is capture Wikus for MNU. He has a cold attitude to the well being of Wikus and can be seen lying to his daughter (Tania) about Wikus’s condition suggesting that she forget about him (Wikus). It is presumed that Piet continually follows the orders given to him from up the management chain. This is apparent when he instructs Koobus to hunt down Wikus at various points.
• Conclusion: We don’t really know what happens to Piet at the end of the film as there is no definitive conclusion for his character.
Tania van der Merwe
Tania Smit (Vanessa Haywood) is a character in the film District 9. She plays the wife of the main character Wikus van der Merwe and is the daughter of the character Piet Smit.
• Wikus’s Wife: We are introduced to Tania in the “present” as she is going through the items that Wikus has made for her. She plays a loving wife and devoted spouse even after having to deal with all the propaganda of Wikus after his escape from the MNU lab.
• Daughter: She plays Piet Smit’s daughter as well, and this sets up the conflict of Piet and Wikus, as Piet shows a dislike for Wikus (though not as intensely as Koobus). She’s readily told by her father to forget Wikus after he (Wikus) escapes from the lab. Piet implies that Wikus is “gone” and that she has to move and forget him.
• Conflict: Tania is “forced” to tell Wikus (over the phone) that she doesn’t love him anymore. This conflicts her view towards the end of the film as she contacts Wikus to tell him she believes him. The flower that she receives at the end of the film is a motif of Wikus’ love for her and can be seen as motif for hope. She believes he is still out there and we as the audience are expected to make the connection that the alien in the last shot is Wikus after his transformation is complete.
Conclusion: We don’t really know what happens to Tania after the last shot of “Wikus” but we can speculate she is alive and waiting for Wikus to return to her.
