Review of Multiplicity (1996) by David A — 18 Apr 2010

(from The Watermark 07/21/96).

Keaton finds himself in a typically 90's predicament: he can never find enough time to devote himself to both his work and his family, so he has himself cloned. Still unable to work it out, he has himself cloned again, and when the clones find that they themselves are spread too thin, they have their own clone made. Each clone eventually develops its own personality: "Two" becomes the stoic butch workaholic, "Three" is the anal-retentive nurturer, and "Four," being a copy of a copy, and therefore less "sharp" than the original, is a retarded nutcase. MacDowell is the confused wife who doesn't know what is going on. The special effects, which in many ways are the film, do a believable job of mixing Keatons into one singular visual. His performances are terrific, and his comic abilities capably compliment the material. Unfortunately, the film would have us believe that Keaton is so stupid and disorganized that he can't coordinate exchanging information between clones. Plus, the premise, so rich with creative possibilities, relies on some very predictable scenarios. And worst of all, the story never snowballs into one pivotal slam-bang sequence. How can we really be satisfied when the whole ridiculous idea never blows up in his face? Queer Quotient: "Three" is just a little too sensitive sometimes - and Keaton definitely plays him gay. In one scene MacDowell worries that he's becoming so - different. Why worry, Andie? He's the nicest of the clones, and he's a better Dad than the original, Grace!