PODCAST: Vincenzo Natali (Splice)

Even after toying with genre in films like Cypher and Paris, Je T'Aime, Canadian auteur Vincenzo Natali is still best known for his 1997 feature debut, the futuristic Kafkaesque horror Cube. However, expect his fanbase to soon grow as rapidly as the out-of-control genetic experiment in his new film Splice, which Warner Bros. picked up after its Sundance premiere:

Superstar genetic engineers Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) specialize in splicing DNA from different animals to create incredible new hybrids. Now they want to use human DNA in a hybrid that could revolutionize science and medicine. But when the pharmaceutical company that funds their research forbids it, Clive and Elsa secretly take their boldest experimentation underground—risking their careers by pushing the boundaries of science to serve their own curiosity and ambition.

The result is Dren, an amazing, strangely beautiful creature of uncommon intelligence and an array of unexpected physical developments. At first, Dren exceeds their wildest dreams. But as she grows and learns at an accelerated rate, her existence threatens to become their worst nightmare.

Earlier today, Natali called me to discuss creature design, scientific responsibility, whether he takes the Cube sequels as flattery or forgery, and how adapting J.G. Ballard and William Gibson might make him a masochist.

To listen to the podcast, click here. (15:52)

Podcast Music
INTRO: Social Distortion: "Mommy's Little Monster"
OUTRO: "Weird Al" Yankovic: "I Think I'm a Clone Now"

[Splice opens on June 4 in theaters everywhere. For more info, visit the official site.]



Posted by ahillis at June 3, 2010 2:57 PM