The Cell (2000)

an unusual psychological film influenced by contemporary art.

Director: Tarsem Singh

 

For lovers of visual art, this may be the most dynamic film of recent vintage.  Shot in locations as diverse as the deserts of Namibia, southern California as well as standard movie sets,

 

This is a psychological thriller which focuses on Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez), a child psychologist, who is an expert in an unusual ”virtual reality” treatment for coma patients. It allows her to “exist” inside of the mind of a young boy. A serial killer, Carl Stargher (Vincent D’Onofrio) goes into a coma before the FBI can find out the identity of his final victim before she dies.

 

She attempts to join minds with him in order to figure out where the victim is. Her attempts allow her to see inside of his twisted existence. When she becomes trapped inside of Stargher’s head FBI agent Novak (Vince Vaughn) volunteers to undergo the same treatment to try and save her and the potential victim.

 

The dreamscapes the characters enter were influenced by several contemporary artists including: Damien Hirst. The film also includes scenes based on the work of other late 20th century artists, including Odd Nerdrum, H. R. Giger, and the Brothers Quay.