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“Splice” Director Vincenzo Natali relaxes at Chicago’s Trump Towers between interviews for his new science-fiction horror tale. |
Director a splice of life
Detroit-born Vincenzo Natali has directed four features so far, the last one being “Splice,” a science-fiction thriller that opens today.
The filmmaker now makes his home in Toronto, Canada. He recently came to Chicago’s Trump Towers to answer some questions about horror and human nature, and the scary subject of genetic splicing.
Q. “Splice” is about scientists – played by Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley – who genetically create a new life-form, which they debate whether should be killed or protected. How would you describe it?
A. I think it’s a creature film spliced with a relationship story. That is what always intrigued me about it. I wanted to make an intimate creature film, one that would explore the nuances between creator and creation. I hope it works for people. I’m a great lover of creature films. This is my love letter to creature movies. As someone who appreciates the genre, I thought it could be treated with a slightly more delicate and sophisticated hand.
Q. Any reactions from ethics or religious groups?
A. It’s a very loaded topic. Hopefully, the film isn’t clear about where it stands morally. It goes into some very gray territory. There are clearly some positive things to come out of this technology. And there are great dangers … I cowrote the script in consultation with a geneticist, and had a geneticist involved in the production of the film. They were very enthusiastic about the film. I haven’t heard from an ethics person or religious group. I’m not sure how they would feel about the movie. They might support it. (Read more…)