M. Night Shyamalan might have thought of "The Three Faces of Eve" when he penned the screenplay of "Split". The title didn't suggest that 23 different personalities inhabiting the body of Kevin Wendell Crumb. James McAvoy may have been given the role of a lifetime, as playing Crumb could be more challenging than the audience would think it is. As a matter of fact, they should have lost count of the number of personalities after seeing the Scottish actor played Hedwig, who claimed to be a nine-year-old boy.
Kevin Wendell Crumb was suffering from severe dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. There won't be any known treatment for it, but "The Three Faces of Eve" revealed hypnosis as a cure. Why didn't Shyamalan ever thought of it? After all, the first half of the movie had all the familiar features of a Hitchcock classic. Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin's psychiatrist, had a compassionate, if not progressive, view of her ward's case. The likes of Kevin could be productive members of society, but those who were too familiar with Shyamalan's works would guess that Kevin's home might be a zoo. And they turned out to be right. A viewer's appreciation of this psychological horror film could depend on the guessing of the film's so-called Easter eggs. If it would be too early, these disenchanted viewers could count on the cast.
McAvoy's performance might long be forgotten when the next award season went underway, but it would be a shame if he didn't get an Oscar nod. If it was another actor, who won't be up for a grueling challenge, then "Split" would be a drag. Shyamalan did his earnest in persuading his audience that the study of dissociative identity disorder would be a fascinating journey. Could the result reveal an untapped potential? Would mankind be able to utilize the brain to the fullest? Should it change man's perception of science and religion? The answers would be NO. Kevin was talking about the Beast, who would be the 24th individual (inside his body). This menacing entity could dominate the 23 personalities, who was born when Kevin's father abandoned him at the train station. There would be a dark side.
Shyamalan's unsettling tale began with Kevin abducting three teenage girls. The interior of Kevin's lair had all the distinctive features of a Gothic picture. Anya Taylor-Joy, a blond actress, dyed her hair black. It accentuated her seemingly pallid look and soulless eyes. Don't be deceived by it. (Anya and Kevin shared a near-similar experience.) She was the unlikely individual who would tame the Beast, which led to a familiar climax. "Split" turned out to be a thematic sequel to "Unbreakable". (Bruce Willis was shown in the final scene.) Don't be surprised if the filmmaker would consider another follow-up, as three of Kevin's multiple personalities were able to subdue the Beast.
The third one might explore the unlikely friendship between Kevin Wendell Crumb and Elijah Price, who was played by Willis. Shyamalan can consider Philadelphia, his hometown, as his setting for the next one. Then again, it may be a faraway location on the East Coast. The most probable premise will be another unassuming man with disturbing behavior. Stay tuned.
