The Island (2005) is a thrilling dystopian thriller which is based on the themes of identity, ethics and illusion of paradise. The book is set in a sterile and oppressive institution and chronicles the life of a man Lincoln Six Echo, who starts to wonder about the apparently perfect life he and his fellow inhabit. The emotional stakes get even higher as he realizes the dreadful truth that they are clones bred to provide organs and so on. The mood of the film is tense and claustrophobic, which practically emphasizes the dehumanizing effect of the facility and the desperate desire of the characters to feel freedom and be authentic. The gradual unveiling of the truth presented in the storyline welcomes the audience into the consciousness of Lincoln, as the ethical questions and issues related to cloning come across as a lot more impactful.
The acting is strong, and Ewan McGregor provides the audience with a sophisticated image of Lincoln as an innocent laborer and a ruthless rebel. Jordan portrayed by Scarlett Johansson is vulnerable and courageous, and it makes the story even more emotional. The plot is further elaborated with the help of such supporting characters as the mercenary Laurent (Sean Bean) and the moral conscience personified by Djimon Hounsou, who have their complicated loyalties and dilemmas. The visual effects of the movie by director Michael Bay and the action sequences are very stylish and help highlight the contrast between the lifeless harshness of the facility and the alive potential of the outside world. The cinematography, score, and special effects of the film are combined and have made the film a visceral experience, which puts the audience in the bleak yet hopeful world of the film.
The most touching part was to me the way the film discussed what it is like to be alive and independent. The realization of the clones into their conscious makes them question so deeply the human rights and limits of scientific experimentation. I was inspired and thought provoking because of the ending, which gave me a glimpse of hope and the search towards the true paradise. Although the movie has a couple of pacing problems, and the use of some of the most common tropes of sci-fi, The Island is an engaging action film that helps the audience think about what is important in life, freedom and identity in the world dominated by technological forces.
