Splice: Movie Analysis

SPLICE  ______________________________  _______________ ______________________________ ________________ _ SPLICE is a verb meaning to join or connect ropes or strands with the same material. In the movie, DNA was spliced using special techniques in the laboratory. They were trying to find a specific protein by experimenting in making another species by finding a match of the DNA of other species that would be spliced with a human DNA.

In the film, there were some segments that showed applications and concepts related to Embryology. First is about cell division – the standard form of cell division in somatic cells and results in two genetically equal daughter cells. The scientists were able to show us how the cells of Dren divide in a rapid manner. Cell division, specifically mitosis, is the process of how one living organism achieves growth. Second is about morphogenesis – a group of processes that mold the external and internal configuration of an embryo. Dren was shown from fetus to adult. We can see the differences and the development of Dren as the scientist studied her. Third is about regeneration – the process of replacement of the lost tissues. In the film, Clive cut the tail of Dren but after some time, the tail was replaced. Fourth is about growth – the increase in mass. Dren was able to achieve growth in a rapid manner. This was because of the rapid cell division which resulted to rapid increase in cell mass. Fifth is about recombinant DNA Technology- the use of DNA molecules produced in vitro ligation of 

DNA from two different organisms. In the movie, this is the main concept that was shown. The scientists used two different DNA segments and combined them in vitro.

For me, I think the movie has a good ending. It is because it showed the consequences of using human DNA in splicing with other DNA segments of other  organisms. The scientists who did the splicing were the ones affected and became the victim of their own act. But if ever I would be able to change the last parts of the movie, I want Dren to be killed as soon as possible that they see something that is not good with him/her before anything worst happens. Since Dren is already dead, they could now find that protein that must be discovered in the movie. And through extensive research of the body of Dren, they will be able to extract that protein and they will be given honor because of their discovery. Then it will be a happy ending for  the movie.

As a science student majoring in Biology, I must say that Splice is a feel-good movie. It is because I’m interested to scientific topics and experiments like what the movie has shown. I even did not get bored or sleepy while watching this film because I am very attentive to what the story is and how will it go as it reaches the end. Since I have a background in these biological topics especially in Embryology, it paved way for  me to understand the movie easily.

Lastly, the film inspired me to become a scientist. Even though I chose being a medical doctor as my future career, I still consider it as a scientist. The movie showed segments when they were working in the laboratory and this got my attention because I love doing laboratory works and experiments. If I will become a medical doctor in next few years, I will not do the same experiments in the movie but I will focus more on

searching for possible ways on how to prevent and cure diseases. I know that it will take me time in order for me to become a scientist or a medical doctor but I am ready and equipped with perseverance and patience to face all the challenges in order for  me to become one.