``Snake Eyes'' long takes and split screen, just the excitement and madness that is unique to Brian De Palma

What is the phantom spectacle scene created by ILM?

Now, I have a documentary DVD in my hands, entitled " De Palma " (2015), which is essential for understanding Brian De Palma's work. Directed by Noah Baumbach and others, this film is a very straightforward story in which the genius director, who was probably in his mid-70s at the time of production, talks calmly about his life and each of his works.

Naturally, there are references to "Snake Eyes." What surprised me was the story behind the ending. Apparently, there is an "alternate version" that was not used in this work.

Alternative versions? You might think that this is just another standard piece of material you see on DVD extras, but what makes this one different is that these images were so ambitious that they even required ILM's special effects.

The film is about the "hurricane attack" that the reporter reports on from the beginning of the film. Towards the end of the story, when the main characters are finally in a desperate situation, the hurricane finally makes landfall, bringing down huge waves reminiscent of " Deep Impact " (1998) and " The Perfect Storm " (2000). ILM had prepared a special spectacular scene for this scene.

"Snake Eyes" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

However, the reactions from test screenings were unexpectedly negative, and the films were ultimately scrapped during post-production, something De Palma still regrets to this day.

On the other hand, we, who have no idea about this alternate ending, will find ourselves grinning at the final twist that De Palma has hidden.

At the very end of a long shot of a construction site that never seems to finish, the sparkle of a jewel is revealed. This can only have one meaning...

Just when you think all the cases have been solved, the darkness remains. Some things are completely forgotten in the midst of all the chaos. The ending could be interpreted as a hint that "something" is buried beneath the gorgeously blooming cherry blossoms. In any case, this film is packed with De Palma's unique visual magic.

reference:

"De Palma" DVD (Released in 2018, Distributed by: TC Entertainment, Released by: Zekuu)

https://vfxblog.com/2018/08/07/the-cgi-tidal-wave-in-snake-eyes-that-no-one-got-to-see/

https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/snake-eyes/

http://www.steadishots.org/shots_detail.cfm?shotID=6

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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"Snake Eyes" (c)Photofest / Getty Images