Astonish Me (2011)

Astonish Me Poster

When a young boy gets locked in the Natural History Museum after closing, a mysterious guard gives him a magical ticket that allows him to visit a restricted area of the museum, where a professor and a guide show him examples of the wondrous new species of animals being discovered every day on Earth.

Overview
"Astonish Me" is a 2011 brief movie directed by Charles Sturridge and produced by the bureau. It is part of the partnership in between the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and All At Once for WWF's 50th anniversary. The film runs for about 7 minutes and concentrates on the theme of discovery and conservation of new species. Its story links a sense of scientific curiosity and experience with a poignant message about the sensational species diversity in the world and the significance of preserving it.

Story and Characters
The story follows an imaginary animal restored from the depths of the Amazon jungle by a brave explorer called Will Stefan, played by Bill Nighy. Stefan unveils this remarkable creature called the Jaguar Shark to a young kid named Humphrey, portrayed by Joseph McCaulay. The fantastical sea-multiform, with its color-changing appearance and shark-like behavior, is kept in a little water tank and revealed to the curious eyed kid who is the boy of Stefan's relied on housemaid.

The relationship between the older, world-weary explorer and the wide-eyed innocence of the young kid serves as the kinetic force of the story. The vibrant duo encapsulates the eternal human virtues of limitless curiosity, the cravings for discovery, and, eventually, the eagerness to preserve the types.

Theme and Message
Deeply rooted at the heart of "Astonish Me" is an emphasis on biodiversity and its conservation. The movie successfully uses a fictional animal to highlight the enormous diversity of life in the world, much of which are still undiscovered or uncategorized by science. It acts as an allegory for the uncharted depths of our natural world and the secrets they still hold.

The movie discreetly provides a strong ecological message. It closes with a heartbreaking twist that showcases the real-world hazards to these types and how destructive human activities lead to their extinction. This narrative particularly explains the urgent requirement for conservation efforts to preserve the world's diverse animals before they get irretrievably lost due to human lack of knowledge or apathy.

Technical Aspects
"Astonish Me" is a visual masterpiece that uses remarkable cinematography. The animal style offers stunning visuals that enliven the story's innovative idea. With a compact runtime, the film effectively highlights the precious and delicate beauty of the planet's biodiversity. The acting efficiencies, particularly of Bill Nighy and the young Joseph McCaulay, contribute significantly to engaging viewers in the movie's psychological depth.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Astonish Me" is an engaging narrative that seamlessly merges the elements of adventure, discovery, and environmental responsibility. Regardless of its short period, it brings a profound message successfully, urging audiences to respect and take care of the richness and diversity of our planet's communities. It functions as a compelling and thought-provoking call to action to protect and value the environment-- the house to countless species of plants and fauna, both recognized and unidentified. The film beautifully mixes the worlds of cinema and ecological advocacy, making it an exceptional art piece with a powerful underlying message.

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