I just discovered that District 9 only cost $30 million, pocket change in the movie industry. The low-budget nature of this movie probably accounts for some of the point of view choices that led to my feeling claustrophobic when I wished for a more epic feel. Epic shots cost money, even for Weta Ltd. So does the time to shoot on location and commission mat paintings and build multiple models. The scope of the movie is exactly as large as they could afford to make it. If I were a betting woman, I'd put my chips on the documentary-style POV having saved tens of millions of dollars also. It doesn't seem fair to criticize a movie for not being better funded, so in light of this new information I'd like to withdraw the critical aspect of what I said about feeling claustrophobic while watching District 9. Perhaps the viewer feels how the aliens feel in their limited sphere.