Polar Bears Watch TV

I like it when films commit to a particular style or premise rather than trying to be an amalgamation of half-baked ideas. Films like Green Room or Don’t Breathe worked (for the most part) because they dispensed with extensive exposition in favor of letting the scenarios drive the stories. I’m not necessarily saying I always want minimal character development and thematic depth–nor am I implying that certain filmmakers can’t juggle multiple elements extremely well–but if your focuses as a filmmaker aren’t those things, then that’s 100% fine with me. However, if I get the sense that a film is trying to explore them, then part of my evaluation will include the level to which it succeeds. So, while Split deserves credit for going below the surface to unpack the effects of trauma on individuals, it also deserves some criticism for its reliance on thinly drawn characters, flashbacks, and parallels in order to make its point. Shyamalan might’ve been better served going all out on the horror element or the thriller element or the character element. Pick one.

Continue reading →

Tags: 24th personality The Beast Split, Betty Buckley Dr. Karen Fletcher psychologist therapist Split, Captured under zoo Split, Casey Anya Taylor-Joy Split, Casey Cook uncle sexual abuse molesting Split, Casey shotgun uncle Split, Claire Haley Lu Richardson underwear Split, Hedwig 9-year old boy Split, Hedwig dancing to music window walkie talkie Split, James McAvoy The Horde Split, Kevin Wendell Crumb James McAvoy Split, M. Night Shyamalan writer director Split, Marcia's death The Beast eating Split, Multiple personality disorder DID Split, Patricia woman James McAvoy personality Split, Shyamalan cameo Split, Split credits scene Bruce Willis Unbreakable, Split ending scene Bruce Willis cameo, Split film review, Split opening scene car gas, Split twist ending, Split Unbreakable sequel Bruce Willis