Was The Human Centipede Based On A Real Story
Released in 2009, The Human Centipede quickly became one of the most controversial horror movies of all time, captivating audiences with its shocking and gruesome storyline. The film follows a mad scientist who kidnaps three tourists and surgically joins them together, mouth to anus, to create a "human centipede." But was this disturbing story based on a real-life event?
The Inspiration Behind The Human Centipede
Despite the film's graphic and unsettling premise, director Tom Six has stated that The Human Centipede was not based on any real-life events or individuals. In fact, the idea for the movie came to him after he had a nightmare about a mad scientist who created a human centipede. Six has also cited his fascination with medical experiments and the limits of the human body as inspiration for the film.
However, Six did draw from real-life medical procedures to create the surgical scenes in the movie. The film's villain, Dr. Heiter, is loosely based on a real-life surgeon named Dr. Josef Mengele, who performed horrific experiments on prisoners during the Holocaust. Six has stated that he wanted to create a character who was "even more evil" than Mengele.
The Controversy Surrounding The Human Centipede
Despite Six's claims that The Human Centipede was not based on a true story, the film's graphic content and disturbing premise sparked controversy and backlash upon its release. Many critics accused the movie of glorifying violence and torture, while others argued that it was a commentary on the dehumanization and objectification of the human body.
The movie was banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, due to its extreme content. In the United States, it received an NC-17 rating, which limited its distribution and availability in theaters.
The Legacy of The Human Centipede
Despite the controversy surrounding the film, The Human Centipede has become a cult classic and spawned two sequels, The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) and The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence). These movies continued the graphic and disturbing themes of the original and further cemented The Human Centipede's place in horror movie history.
Whether or not The Human Centipede was based on a real story, there is no denying its impact on the horror genre and its ability to shock and horrify audiences. While some may find the movie too extreme or offensive, others see it as a daring exploration of the limits of the human body and the darkest corners of the human psyche.