Split is a 1989 American independent science fiction film directed, written, shot, and edited by Chris Shaw in his feature film debut. It stars Timothy Dwight as Starker, a homeless man on the run from a surveillance state, and Joan Bechtel as Susan. The film was notable for its early use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and was the final film appearance of actor Gene Evans.
Production
The film was produced by Barbara Horscraft under the Starker Film Company with a budget of approximately $300,000. Principal photography took place in and around Santa Cruz, California, and in San Francisco, California. Filming occurred in 1985, and the picture reportedly took five years to complete. Chris Shaw assembled a "guerilla collective" to make the film, working alongside his brother Rob Shaw, a physicist and MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant recipient who contributed the film's computer-generated graphics, keyboard music, and titles.
Plot
The story follows Starker (Timothy Dwight), a homeless man for whom no records exist in a surveillance database, allowing him to elude a Big Brother-like security force known as the Agency, led by the Director (Chris Shaw). Starker possesses a round disc that he believes is the gateway to a greater humanity, and he attempts to counter the oppressive message of the Director, who controls society while letting people believe they have free will.
Cast
- Timothy Dwight as Starker
- Joan Bechtel as Susan / Woman in Gallery
- John J. Flynn as The Artist
- Chris Shaw as The Agency Director
- Gene Evans as The Evangelist
- John Martel as Agent #1
- Jack Wiley as Agent #2
Release
Split was first shown in March 1989 in Boston, Massachusetts. ASA Communications acquired domestic distribution rights, and the film opened at the Biograph Theatre in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 1989. It was later released for one week in Los Angeles, California, in August 1991 as part of the AFI Independent Showcase.
Reception
Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called Split "a timeless political-religious parable." The film runs 85 minutes and is in color with sound.
