Geekery: ‘Mortal Engines’ – An Epic Dystopian Adventure
Peter Jackson is bringing us a tale of high adventure in a fantasy world like one we’ve never seen on screen this holiday season. Giant rolling cities devour each other in Mortal Engines.
Mortal Engines is part of a quartet of books set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, and massive geological events are common. To deal with constant earthquakes, and dwindling supplies, London was placed on massive engines and wheels. The city tracks down and dismantles smaller cities for their resources. A concept its author, Philip Reeve, calls “municipal Darwinism.” In the first part of the quartet a pair of unlikely heroes begin their journey to change the course of the world.
In this second trailer Hugo Weaving chews up all the scenery.
It’s nice to see something new on the screen. Yeah, maybe the core story feels familiar – but giant rolling cities in a post apocalyptic world is new. It’s a grand spectacle – created by the master artists at Weta, so you know it’s going to be pretty.
This is Christian Rivers’ first time directing a film on his own, but he’s not new to the business. He’s been working with Peter Jackson for decades. Jackson is acting producer and wrote the screenplay with Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. The backbone is a strong one – hopefully it can hold up the weight.
Mortal Engines rolls into theaters December 14th.
