SPLICE IS A MIND-SPLITTER!

June 3rd, 2010

ADRIEN BRODY AND CAST CHAT ON THE RED CARPET!

Movie: Splice
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Starring: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac

After seeing Splice, I need to be straight up with you guys. This is not a movie that will land a spot as the next toy for McDonalds Happy Meals.

This is a special kind of sci-fi horror. And no, it’s not the kind that you go to with a chick on a date, so she can grab onto you when she’s scared, heck, this isn’t even a typical flick for those ballsy, adventurous horror-movie fanboys.

This is a movie that will make you seriously think, shock the core of your medulla oblongata, and leave you with your eyes shut, and hands covering your ears. Think Frankenstein in the 21st century…on redbull and steroids…mixed with Jodie Foster from the Accused.

That’s what probably snagged the R rating.

But to be perfectly fair, let’s be honest, it still is a very well made film.

Directed by mad scientist filmmaker Vince Natali, Splice tells the story about two genetic scientists, Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley), who infuse a variety of animal and human DNA together to create their very own test-tube hybrid “thing,” in hopes of trying to cure diseases and what-not- against the orders of their pharmaceutical company.

Check out the interview with Adrien Brody and some of the cast, as well as the rest of the review after the jump!

As this half-human, half-rodent, half-chicken female “thing” with a tail continues to rapidly grow and learn, the couple name it Dren (Delphine Chanéac), and make the further mistake of continuing to nurture it in secrecy. Clive and Elsa watch Dren develop new abilities by the day, like breathing under water, social recognition, and even sprouting wings to fly. But as the creature begins to sexually mature, the film -which already has enough thrilling nail biting moments at this point- takes a cork screw twist for the worst, and dabbles in provocative bestiality, rape, and basically anything you can think the story-line wouldn’t dare go toward.

But in all honesty, the film does have potential to become a prized gem in Canadian cinema culture.

It won “Best Special Effects” and was runner-up in “Best Film” at the 2009 Sitges Film Festival, and was featured at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

And if you put aside the scarring imagery, you have to give credit to the outstanding special effects, the interesting yet out-of the box plot, the super dark comedy that’s intertwined into the most gripping scenes, the committed performances by Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley, and even the silent acting by Delphine Chanéac.

Sure, it’ll spark a few controversial debates about genetically splicing human DNA, but isn’t that the mark of a good film regardless?

Rating: 3.5/5

**I had the fortunate chance to talk with some of the cast on the red carpet for the Canadian premiere, take a scroll at what they had to say about the film:

To Adrien Brody- plays Clive in Splice:

If you could genetically splice yourself with any animal DNA, what would it be?

Well, I would have to tackle land, sea and air, so something amphibious, with wings. But I don’t think it has to be aggressive.

So like a Hippogriff?

Well…you’re getting there. But you know, something that could survive in all the elements and other atmospheres…and have some style! (laughs)

To Vince Natali- Director, Producer and Screenwriter for Splice:

You’ve been working on this film for the past decade or so. Looking back on it all, how does it feel knowing the patience and effort has finally paid off?

Well I feel like a proud parent. I’ve been “pregnant” with this thing for 10 years, and now I’m finally giving birth to it. But looking back on everything, it’s really gratifying to finally have the opportunity to do this- anybody can make a film, but the hard part is having that film seen. So I’m just happy that this is happening properly.

Would you say that was the biggest challenge overall?

Umm…yup. It’s a miracle, we had a lot of serendipitous things for this to happen. There was no plan or grand design. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

What was it like having a chance to direct a guy like Adrien Brody who’s the youngest Oscar Winner for best actor, as well as Canadian accomplished actress Sarah Polley?

You know, how do I put this (laughs), certain things had to happen in order for the movie to be made. When you make a film like Splice that’s so hard, it’s really tough, because we didn’t have that much money. So the only way I was able to follow through was to have partners like Adrien and Sarah. Not only did they give amazing performances, but they were also so great to have on set, and were really supportive.

To Delphine Chanéac- plays Dren in Splice:

As a french actress, and this being your first North American film, what was the most difficult thing you had to overcome for this role?

Well it would have to be when I was first auditioning for the role. I networked with one of the producers, and they asked me to come in to audition. So I’m the first person there for the day, and they say “please play someone who has a mix of half human and half animal DNA, go!” So I was so confused, but when I was young, I used to do karate, so I just began using different poses and postures. But it was fun, and I guess they liked it because they called me back (laughs).

Tags: Adrien Brody, Delphine Chaneac, Movies, reviews, Sarah Polley, Splice