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SPLIT (1989)
Director: Chris Shaw
Once upon a time a mathematician made a low budget sci-fi comedy that went virtually unnoticed direct to video. The effects used were rendered frame by frame with live models, and were also representative of some of the very first use of CGI.
Though this did get some press at the time, it has since been forgotten and ushered out of public eye by weak distribution and a seemingly reclusive director Chris Shaw.
Picture George Orwell at a dinner party with Alex Cox. That is "Split".
There is a keen sense of awareness on display from Director Shaw much like that of Alex Cox's "Repo Man". Shaw's characters aren't stupid, and if they appear stupid, they are only pretending to be really stupid.
A man uses multiple disguises to harbor the secret god particle from the mad man government.
Our protagonist dodges dangerous operatives, spy plants and waitresses. His sugar addiction has him manic, but his panic runs much deeper. He is seen eluding art snobs, extremists and even veterinarians.
Scenes weave from exotic location to picturesque America.
Camera movements are particular and elaborate.
Transitions are acid trip inspired.
On screen personalities waver from anchored to completely fried within a minute at a time. Dialog is clever and concise, shrouded in an obnoxious tone.
The viewer has to look past the budgetary limitations and surrender to the complete weirdness. If one does this as they should, one will be rewarded with a thought provoking comedy.
This is a film not to miss for cerebral types with a healthy and twisted sense of humor.
Director: Chris Shaw
Once upon a time a mathematician made a low budget sci-fi comedy that went virtually unnoticed direct to video. The effects used were rendered frame by frame with live models, and were also representative of some of the very first use of CGI.
Though this did get some press at the time, it has since been forgotten and ushered out of public eye by weak distribution and a seemingly reclusive director Chris Shaw.
Picture George Orwell at a dinner party with Alex Cox. That is "Split".
There is a keen sense of awareness on display from Director Shaw much like that of Alex Cox's "Repo Man". Shaw's characters aren't stupid, and if they appear stupid, they are only pretending to be really stupid.
A man uses multiple disguises to harbor the secret god particle from the mad man government.
Our protagonist dodges dangerous operatives, spy plants and waitresses. His sugar addiction has him manic, but his panic runs much deeper. He is seen eluding art snobs, extremists and even veterinarians.
Scenes weave from exotic location to picturesque America.
Camera movements are particular and elaborate.
Transitions are acid trip inspired.
On screen personalities waver from anchored to completely fried within a minute at a time. Dialog is clever and concise, shrouded in an obnoxious tone.
The viewer has to look past the budgetary limitations and surrender to the complete weirdness. If one does this as they should, one will be rewarded with a thought provoking comedy.
This is a film not to miss for cerebral types with a healthy and twisted sense of humor.