Oxygen: A Cinematic Breath of Fresh Air
Oxygen, a French-American Sci-fi thriller, was released on Netflix in May 2021. Directed by Alexandre Aja and starring Melanie Laurent, Oxygen, a thriller with a setting that is primarily claustrophobic, is able to draw in viewers with a captivating story, with a focus on intricate detail. A thriller with a gripping plot, Oxygen is a film with a more profound examination on the nature of one’s identity, dynamic memories, and the nature of humanity.
A Star’s Journey: Mélanie Laurent
Mélanie Laurent’s performance as Elizabeth “Liz” Hansen is remarkable and commendable. He most prominently recognized for her performance in Inglourious Basterds and in Beginners, Laurent adds the character of a person that awakens in a cryogenic chamber and has lost all of her memories with a psychological depth. This performance shows her unbounded and extraordinary dedication to her craft.
In the film making industry, she has had a varied career in the French industry and has also directed films, which is a reflection of the strange duality that her character has. This experience shows that the character which Liz was portraying is all the more realistic.
Behind the Lens: Alexandre Aja’s Vision
Director Alexandre Aja makes his tension-filled horror film debut with Oxygen. Aja’s focus on tension making works with the film’s confined setting—a single cryogenic pod. Under Aja’s direction, each instant of the narrative leaves no opportunities for the film withstanding suspense as it flows continuously from moment to moment, almost spellbinding the audience.
As for the screenplay, it was penned by Christie LeBlanc and was on the 2016 Black List, which is due to the narrative’s compelling structuring. There were multiple adaptations from the original story to the screen with the film undergoing significant casting and directional pivots. Originally the lead was Anne Hathaway; due to other commitments, it was Noomi Rapace, who was subsequently replaced by Laurent. Aja stepped in to direct and replaced Franck Khalfoun. It was these changes, which could be seen as negative, that created the individuality for the film.
Identity and Memory
The book Oxygen explores the essential topics of identity and memory. Liz’s character grapples with questions for the book concerning the self and the sufficiency of what we have lived to become. The audience of the book Oxygen is encouraged to focus on the identity and memory of their self.
With respect to the Indian cultural scenarios, the central topics of the book Oxygen, identity, and memory are largely known with reference to family, culture, and history. Indian stories are largely known to emphasize the self and self-past, making Oxygen’s exploration of the themes more relevant.
Impact and Audience Reception
Oxygen was able to attract several audience members during its initial release due to its novel style integrated with strong performances. Audience members were able to appreciate the emotional performance of Liz character played by Laurent. The attention given to the novel was able to emphasize the discussion towards the representation of women in science fiction. Many audience members were able to comment on the strong and resilient character of Liz.
In India, the exploration of identity and memory within the film became a significant focal point for audiences. For many, the woman’s quest to reclaim her past became a topic of conversation, prompting audiences to think about the role of women in sci-fi, the diversity of narratives, and the need to expand the representation of women within the genre.
Challenges of Production
Oxygen’s production faced various challenges, starting with the decision to film in a single location. This required extensive planning and organization to avoid logistical complications, on top of the innovative cinematography and set design that would need to be imaginative in a single location. The production team would need to maintain a sense of closeness and claustrophobia while also creating a visually appealing environment.
The limited dialogue and single-character focus considerably narrowed the film’s potential and, therefore, dramatically increased the challenge for the cast and crew. From the start, Laurent’s performance defined the film. The emotional, psychological, and physical range required for a largely solo film performance, in such a confined area, was demanding, and that was just one of the challenges placed on her. The remaining members of the cast and crew rose to this challenge and placed as much creativity and dedication into overcoming the challenges as they had been set.
A Lasting Impression
Oxygen showcases the power of storytelling and the human spirit. It examines identity, memory, and resilience, crafting a rich narrative that speaks to many. The film’s accomplishments reinforce the value of varied perspectives in film and the universal themes they address.
In India, the rich heritage of personal identity and self-meaning works as narratives to support the themes of Oxygen. The film depicts a woman seeking to recover her past which deepens the growing narratives of women in this industry.
Oxygen speaks to audiences and the impact of the film is registered in the conversations generated and the thoughtful silences that follow. It is a reminder of what film can achieve when it takes powerful themes and reaches audiences at a personal level.
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