Change Your Image
anwarnamtut
Reviews
Split (1989)
low budget postmodern sci fi trash...that's a good thing?
Split was one of the more original films I have ever seen, though I am not entirely sure if that is good. I do know that I thought at the time this movie would be come a midnight/cult movie due to its weirdness. The plot was out-there/semi-comprehensible, but the narrative (if you can call it that) unfolded in a very interesting manner. I have been unable to find this on video again, the original store I rented it at having long since folded. This unavailability I think has added to the fondness I have associated with this production. Who knows, perhaps it would be horrible upon modern viewing. I do remember the plot to be Matrix-like in a number of ways, as well as akin to the Philip Jose Farmer penned Dayworld novels.
Street Trash (1987)
Truly a misunderstood masterpiece.
I will admit it, I have seen this movie at least 12 times over the years. It still captivates me. The budget for this movie was on par with an Evil Dead or an EL Mariachi (OK, nothing is REALLY on par with an EL Mariachi budget, but you see where I'm going here) and is equally (if not more so) a directorial tour de force. You will witness Jim Muro's burgeoning camera skills before any Dances with Wolves BS had happened. This is raw, gonzo camera work, yet skilled and tasteful like Peter Jackson's camera on Bad Taste.
Street Trash is a part of a subgenre prevalent in the late 80s/early 90s, the postmodern-gore comedy. It is a very misunderstood subgenre that only exists in the distinct similarity between very dissimilar films. Bad Taste (any pre LOTR Peter Jackson really), Blood Diner, Evil Dead II, Robocop, Toxic Avenger. These films thumb a nose at us and themselves, yet retain an off-kilter composure. Imagine Street Trash with Robocop's budget, or vice versa. You still get the same end-product: an ultraviolent, supergory body count fest, rife with vigilante justice, illicit sex, and substance abuse, as well as an underlying romance theme.
Oh, who am I kidding, I just like breasts and blood (even if it squirts out the colors of the rainbow). Come take a hit of the Viper!
On a side note, the Japanese version is supposedly way rougher than what we have here (do you see the running time differences listed). According to Bill Chepil, the "hero" cop in the movie, Jim Muro has a director's cut print floating around, though it may only be on video. I had the fortunate occurence of running into Mr. Chepil in the street one day. He is a very nice guy, but indeed the genuine article. He basically played himself in the movie and is retired NYPD.