Still Watching the Skies: Episode 99 “Split Second”

Cody, Robert, and Nat go on a serial killer hunt in the dystopian future of 2008 London and discover a cop out of control and a satanic alien serial killer in 1992’s SPLIT SECOND.

Rutger Hauer may not have been an A-list star, but after SOLDIER OF ORANGE, BLADE RUNNER, LADYHAWKE, and THE HITCHER, he was conceivably big enough that you could build your B picture, wannabe blockbuster around. With 1992’s SPLIT SECOND, it seemed that someone decided to make “BLADE RUNNER meets ALIEN” a thing, and brought along Rutger Hauer, Kim Kattrall, and Neil Duncan for the ride.

Split Second

Future London is flooded. There’s an alien serial killer on the loose. Rutger Hauer has a psychic link with the alien serial killer who comes and goes at will. Also, the alien worships Satan. And, yeah, it’s probably better not to get too into the weeds of this plot.

Split Second

To say that it’s an odd mix would be an understatement. Rutger Hauer takes the out of control, plays by his own rules archetype and turns it up to eleven. He’s partnered with a “by the book” Neil Duncan in one of those Riggs & Murdoch, Friday & Streebek, Madison & Unger teams that manages to be consistently entertaining in spite of the film around them.

Split Second

This is a film that clearly got made because of its high concept. But, it’s a film that if you’re going to watch at all it’s because of the cast doing the most that they can with an absolutely ludicrous premise, unbelievable relationships, and very little in the way of memorable dialogue, and working like absolute pros. Even when something like the relationship between Hauer and Cattrall makes absolutely no sense, it’s still mostly fun to watch.

Split Second

We have many questions to ponder with this film. Important questions. Questions like “What does the title have to do with the movie?”, “Do aliens believe in God and Satan?”, and “What the hell does Kim Cattrall’s character see in Rutger Hauer?” Whether or not the film is any good, we certainly had a good time talking about it.

Split Second

No need to visit the armory before listening to this episode. You can give us a play below or Download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting below or Email Us at skiespocast@gmail.com as we appreciate feedback.

Split Second

Time tracks:

SPLIT SECOND Discussion: 0:00 to 56:00
Next Film and Outro: 56:00 to End

Next month, we celebrate episode 100 with a classic double feature of 1953’s THE WAR OF THE WORLDS and 2005’s THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. We hope you’ll join us.

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