Visceral Matter (1997)
An early short film from Richard Kelly, diving into the unsettling science of teleportation gone terribly wrong.
Visceral Matter - Movie Information
- Original Title: Visceral Matter
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Richard Kelly
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 48m
- Original Language: English
Visceral Matter - Plot
Short film that explores the bizarre results of experiments in teleportation.
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Visceral Matter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Kelly
Main Cast
- Sasha Alexander
- Alan Allen
- Tim Duquette
- Lawrence Novikoff
- Heather Rosbeck
- David Weisenberg
- Lisa K. Wyatt
- Woody Yaras
Writers
- Richard Kelly
Producers
- Sean McKittrick
Visceral Matter - FAQs
What is Visceral Matter about?
Visceral Matter is a 1997 sci-fi short film directed by Richard Kelly, the filmmaker who would later make Donnie Darko. It follows a group of characters caught up in teleportation experiments gone wrong, delivering a darkly strange and unsettling look at what happens when science pushes too far.
Is Visceral Matter Richard Kelly's debut film?
Yes, Visceral Matter is one of Richard Kelly's earliest directorial works, made while he was still a student at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. It offers a fascinating early glimpse of the surreal, science-driven storytelling that would define his later career with Donnie Darko and Southland Tales.
Does Visceral Matter feature any recognizable actors?
It does! Sasha Alexander, who later became widely known for her roles in NCIS and Rizzoli & Isles, appears in the film as Karen Chambers. It's a fascinating early credit for her, alongside a cast that includes Alan Allen, Tim Duquette, and David Weisenberg.
How long is Visceral Matter?
Visceral Matter runs 48 minutes, making it a mid-length short film — longer than a typical festival short but shorter than a feature. That runtime gives Richard Kelly enough space to build atmosphere and develop the teleportation premise with a bit more depth than a conventional short would allow.
What genre is Visceral Matter?
Visceral Matter is a science fiction film, leaning into the classic sci-fi tradition of using speculative technology — here, teleportation — to explore unsettling human consequences. Fans of body horror, experimental sci-fi, and early student filmmaking will find plenty to appreciate in its offbeat approach.
What movies are similar to Visceral Matter?
If Visceral Matter caught your interest, you might enjoy Happy Accidents (2000), Timescape (1992), 12:01 (1993), Omni Loop (2024), or The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). These films share a similar taste for speculative science, time-bending concepts, and the strange human cost of pushing technological boundaries.
Who wrote and directed Visceral Matter?
Richard Kelly both wrote and directed Visceral Matter. He made the film as a student project before going on to write and direct Donnie Darko (2001), which became a cult classic. The short already shows his signature blend of dark atmosphere, science fiction concepts, and unconventional narrative structure.
Where can I watch Visceral Matter online?
Visceral Matter is a rare early short film and not widely available on mainstream streaming platforms. Your best bet is to check JustWatch for current availability in your region, or look for it through film archives, university film collections, or specialty platforms that carry student and short-form cinema.
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