Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Trailer Breakdown: THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FULL SEQUENCE)

I know that this trailer was originally released a little while ago, but I've wanted to break it down since the moment I saw it and am just now getting around to doing so. If any of you read my review of the first Human Centipede flick (subtitled "First Sequence"), then you'll know I wasn't particularly fond of it. However, the more I thought about it, the more it became a film that can be categorized as "so bad, it's good." And so, I've been eagerly awaiting the next installment, if only to see what devilish acts director Tom Six might be bringing to the table this time around. Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:



Now, I'm going to give a copy of the trailer's transcript here, so that you can refer back to Tom Six's voice-over without having to re-watch the trailer. Afterward, I'll get into the questions that I had after watching the preview.
My name is Tom Six. I'm a filmmaker. You might know me as the creator of The Human Centipede. Some people have said that that's the sickest movie of all time. But it's one-hundred percent medically accurate. I even get death threats on Facebook about it. The sickest bastard, this Dr. Heiter, they're saying. But too many people just think it's like "My Little Pony." So now, prepare yourself for Part 2, which really will be the sickest movie of all time. And we've scoured the world for the worst, evilest, baddest-asses of all. We've been through prisons, institutes for the criminally insane, gambling dens in Macau, and we found the sickest bastard of them all: Martin.
As one can imagine, I've got a few questions and comments concerning this particular trailer and its movie. I'll start with the serious questions then get into my critiques of the trailer itself. Let's delve into them, shall we?

1. Are we going to find out what happened to the surviving member of our centipede from the first film?
I know I'm giving a little bit of a spoiler here, but even if you haven't seen the first film, you surely know what the "human centipede" entails. Would you really want them to survive the experience? The fact of the matter is, the end of the film was left a little unfinished in that we don't necessarily know what happens to our surviving section. I won't say where she happens to be in the chain, but I'm sure you can imagine. So mostly, I just want to know if we're going to find out what happens to her. I know there's nothing in this trailer to say that we may or may not, but I've just been a little bit curious since I watched the first movie. I'm somewhat hoping we get a little bit of resolution.

2. What do you mean by "100% Medically Inaccurate"?
The tagline for the first Human Centipede film was that it was "100% medically accurate." In a sense, Tom Six was trying to tell us that what happens in the film could plausibly be performed on a group of unsuspecting victims. Sure, you have to suspend your disbelief for a little while, but let's be honest - if you're watching a movie like The Human Centipede, then you're suspending all belief in reality. That being said, Tom Six has stated that this film will be "100% medically inaccurate," and that brings up the question of what exactly that means. Now, Tom Six has said in recent interviews that the first film was really just a way to get audiences used to the concept of a human centipede. If you've seen the film, you'll know that it's not all that graphic, really showing nothing truly disgusting (this is probably why it's been called "My Little Pony," as he said). Apparently, the sequel will be much more graphic, and our centipede will include twelve people, giving credence to the film's working title: The Human Millipede. The "medically inaccurate" idea must be coming from the fact that our new "creator" may not be sticking to sanctioned medical practices, thus making room for potential gore.

And now, let's critique - or should I say "criticize" - everything that's too silly about this trailer.

3. Tom, what's with the cowboy hat and the blood spatter?
Now, for all I know, this is how Tom Six typically dresses (save the blood spatter, I hope). However, with him walking through a parking garage, casually stroking his face in reaction to his own voice-over, the look just makes him seem absolutely ridiculous. The hat is too big, and I want to know where the blood is coming from. Did he just kill some hooker at the other end of the lot? What's your DEAL, man?!

4. I think you're hyping your film a little bit too much.
Tom Six is saying that it will be the "sickest movie of all time." That's a pretty high bar he's setting for himself, especially if he doesn't follow through with your prediction. I've seen some pretty messed up flicks in my day, and although I admit that his concept is pretty disgusting, he's definitely got his work cut out for him.

5. Martin
Okay, where can I even begin on this guy? For starters, the "sickest bastard of them all" is named Martin? I'm sorry, but I'm not really getting a scary or creepy vibe from that at all. Well, I guessNorman Bates (a lá Psycho, for those of you who are uneducated) isn't all that menacing of a name either, but still. Martin? They couldn't come up with anything better than that? Secondly, why is he holding a crowbar? Is that what he used to kill the hooker? Is that why both he and Tom Six have blood stains all over themselves in an entirely public place? Finally, I'm a little upset with the cardboard box. I understand that the filmmakers don't want anyone to see his face before the movie, but the cardboard box was tacky and a little too ridiculous. Have him facing away from the camera, or with his head hanging down, or with a ski mask or something! But a cardboard box with a hole poked in the front so that Martin can see outside? Shame shame, Tom Six. I thought you could've been a little better than that.

I realize I'm probably criticizing the trailer a little too much. Don't get me wrong - I'm definitely excited for the next installment in this Human Centipede franchise. I just wanted to break down - and I suppose, belittle - the trailer a little bit before the movie achieves a U.S. release. Hopefully it'll be soon, but no date has yet to be scheduled. But I cannot wait.

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Previous Trailer Breakdowns:
The Hangover: Part II

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