Horror flick “Splice,” directed by Canadian Vincenzo Natali and starring Canadian actress Sarah Polley, was chosen to open the annual Sundance Film Festival in Utah last weekend. The movie, which has been getting positive reviews from critics, has already won the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival prize, and its overall success is adding prestige to an already well-respected reputation for the director.
“Splice” follows two daring scientists who are attempting to create a new life form by “splicing” together human as well as animal DNA. The result: “Dren,” a winged creature whose bond with people quickly becomes deadly. "I think as Canadians we have a talent for science fiction," Polley said to the CBC following the opening screening of the movie (Toronto-born Polley has had a penchant for horror – she also appeared in 2004’s “Dawn of the Dead”). Other Hollywood bigwigs appearing in “Splice” include Adrien Brody (of “King Kong” and “The Brothers Bloom” fame) and UK actor David Hewlett (a regular on “Stargate: Atlantis”).
Vincenzo Natali was born in Detroit, Michigan but moved to Toronto when he was 1, and he went on to attend Ryerson University. During his professional career, he quickly established a name for himself because of his impressive directing skills and use of graphic special effects. His extensive directorial work has gained him notoriety in the world of horror/sci-fi cinema, particularly because of his involvement in the movies “Nothing,” “Cypher,” and the cult-smash “Cube” (which he also co-wrote).
When he’s not basking in the glory of “Splice,” Natali is working on his 2011 project “High Rise.”
