Splice [Blu-ray] [Region B]

'Splice' is a curious relic. Well, as far as the genetic modification branch of science goes, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." But the day is not over yet. As the film progresses, so the story grows and the plot develops into what can justly be described a notional masterpiece, containing the suggestive implication that the revealed progress and status of scientific knowledge is selectively deceptive, and we are being insulted and beguiled with less than the true or complete picture. Of course, such things without governmental approbation will not even reach pre-patent research stage, but as this film shows such research could actually be conducted by a closet organisation in order to find out whether it can be done, and such knowledge even when forbidden is revolutionary. So this film is quite telling in its nature. It is directed by Vincenzo Natali, a name with which I am unfamiliar, but if I ever see his directorial mark on any other movies, I'll be taking a closer look. The big name is actor Adrien Brody, who shares a lead role with Sarah Polley as the two 'rogue' geneticists. The story is richly entertaining from the start, and keeps you hooked to the very last scene. It is one of those rare movies that have the hypnotic power to hold my attention all the way through without so much as a break for tea or coffee. A person with ADD would be just as placated by its turns of sentimentality and horror, driven like a machine by the cogpiece of scientific intellect. The script is never boring, with its witty faux-reality in the duel with dilemma and decision that the characters have, and the acting and actors are immensely likeable as you follow their progress from joy to tragedy, as of parents with a newborn child who are sure to learn the hard way of its growing pains into the package as well. The child in question, Dren, a hybrid of human and animal DNA - I will give no more away than that - is just as much an object of sympathy for the viewer as are the main protagonists, collaborative scientists Clive and Elsa (played by Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley respectively; Delphine Chaneac the mutation), who work for a forbidding industry and so have to go underground with their project. From there, the tension mounts as their secret experiment spirals out of control. As I said before, the film is rich in quality entertainment and, like a rich sandwich cake, it is hugely enjoyable to consume but it will be a while before you need or want another helping - that is, a repeat viewing. There are few movies as sustainedly good as this one, and I am surprised I have not heard of the director before, as he has crafted a masterpiece which should not go unrecognised into obscurity or unapplauded by anyone into movie history. It is now one of my favourites. Get it!

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Watched it just after reading about the splicing of mouse genes in the Wuhan lab. Fantastic. Good timing. Fantastical but still a little chilling. Not so scary you can't sleep but enough to make you think. Get a bag of Doritos dippers & a glass of wine. Enjoy !

A full in-depth review of Splice will hopefully be available soon on my own film and TV review site (link in my Amazon profile!) Looking back, it's hard to believe that I'd gone almost a decade without ever hearing of splice. I mean it has one of my favourite directors, Guillermo Del Toro, attached as an executive producer and given the things the film gets into, how I had never heard of this? It was only thanks to a screening of it in university that I ever saw this... and I spent a significant amount of time just processing what I had seen. It's been a while since my first viewing, and having got my head around it... I don't think it's a good film. It's an OK film, with pretty serious issues that weigh it down... but it's a fascinating one nonetheless. I can't talk much about the actual plot without spoiling it, but I will warn you that if you do choose to watch this, be prepared to suspend your disbelief big time and prepare to encounter some massive gaps in logic during the first act. One thing's for certain: from my point of view as a Film Studies student, I could talk forever about Splice. There is so much in here: abjection, anxieties of genetic mutation, and enough to apply so much Freudian psychology that you could choke a Basking Shark with it. I could write tons about Splice in essays, and in fact I have done. Like I say, I can't call it a good film, and I mostly bought the DVD to capture some screenshots for that essay. Still it's an admirable film, with a whole bunch of content packed in. If you're feeling adventurous, maybe give it a try...

Guter Film. Einwandfreie Ware. Schnelle Lieferung. Alles bestens.

I offer up this explanation to those who have not yet seen SPLICE and are confused by mixed reviews. There are no spoilers, so confidently read on: SPLICE has something that most horror/sci-fi movies lack: wit. In order to fully appreciate this movie you have to understand wit. It's not a stupid movie, it's a movie that is smarter than the average movie goer. Yes, the characters make nearly every wrong decision possible, and many of the scenes are humorous, but INTENTIONALLY so! The story is tongue-and-cheek and the actors, screenwriters, and director are in on it, but the audience, for whatever reason, has largely misinterpreted this movie as a serious drama that is played terribly wrong and is unintentionally funny. There are dramatic elements and serious parts, but the bizarre scenarios, in which the dramatic dialogue occurs, create surreal and humorous situations. Again, it's purposefully and intelligently humorous, i.e. witty. SPLICE is a bizarre movie. It takes a twisted sense of humor to truly appreciate it. Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley deliver deadpan performances, providing very analytical and matter-of-fact responses to outlandish and grotesque scenarios. They make every wrong decision possible, because -frankly- if they were to follow the ethical code of conduct for genetic engineers this movie would be 10 minutes long. It's not a realistic portrayal, but a cautionary fantasy. The only way this story can be told is humorously, and -despite what the majority says on internet chat rooms- it works! I apologize if I sound defensive or condescending, but SPLICE is one of my favorite movies and it's been greatly misinterpreted, degraded, and disregarded. I think its mainstream release is partially to blame and it would have done better in limited run with word of mouth (i.e. Human Centipede). It's just not for everyone, and I am confident that this movie will reach cult status among a weird demographic. I joined the official SPLICE Facebook page and most of the comments have been about how terrible it is! WHAT??? It's supposed to be a fan club! I don't understand...

Good movie

Très bien

SPLICE is a cunning, creepy and clever Sci-Fi thrill ride. Did I mention "sexy"? No matter. If you want a nice case of the Heebie Geebies, SPLICE will not disappoint. The underlining theme is nothing new. This is Frankenstein told over --but you can forget about gothic villages and peasants with torches. SPLICE's creature finds life in a state-of-the-art Mega Corporate genetics lab. This hopelessly doomed experiment-gone-wrong is the creation of 2 curious and brilliant gene splice jockeys who can't fight the urge to throw a little bit of their own human DNA into the old chromasonal cauldron. Every phase of the creatures development is stunning and even shockingly cool film making. What ya gonna do when your very own monster grows up to be the amphibious, winged, deadly and scrumptious babe of your dreams? Euthanize her? Not the choice of our red-blooded American male scientist--or his young wife intent on mothering a child of her own creation. Things get sticky, hot and incredibly creepy. In the end, nothing good can come of messing around with the laws of creation. Especially in the last 15 minutes of this horror thriller. This is slick and scary sci-fi story weaving. Its wonderfully first-rate musical score is an unexpected delight. But I would hate to give anything away. Go ahead and buy this one. SPLICE is one Blu-Ray that is worth multiple viewing and worthy of a place in your sci-fi horror library.