By Daniel Rutledge
A notorious horror film that shocked audiences at the New Zealand International Film Festival is returning to cinemas due to popular demand.
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) follows a mad scientist who abducts three people and connects them together surgically, mouth-to-anus, to create one digestive tract – see the diagram below.
The film has become a cult hit across the world with a wide range of fan art, toys, fan-made videos and even a comic popping up on the internet. You can view samples from the Human Centipede phenomenon at knowyourmeme.com (warning: some content may offend).
"I don't know what it says about the state of the world we live in today but for some strange reason people worldwide are truly fascinated by the idea of a full functioning human centipede,” says Ant Timpson, the man responsible for bringing the film to Kiwi audiences.
“It's a true phenomenon happening globally. Everybody wants a piece or wants to be a piece of The Human Centipede.
"Maybe one of our deepest primal fears (or desires) is to be one part of a human centipede. We've always said people have their heads up their arses. I mean what does that even mean? Is it just projection?”
“Life changes after you watch The Human Centipede,” says 3 News reporter David Farrier, a big fan of the film.
“It's an idea so crass and disturbing it never leaves you. You must watch it with friends. It's very much a communal activity, discussing the implications, and of course what order you'd like to be in the centipede. Front, middle or end?”
Film3 reviewer Kate Rodger missed the film at the festival and had this to say about its return to cinemas: “I am thrilled for fans of The Human Centipede, while still remaining secure in the knowledge that there is not one living creature on God's green earth who could convince me to see this movie for myself!"
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is presented by Incredibly Strange and Flicks.co.nz – for more information visit the official website.
3 News