It's time to dust off the old DVD and give 1996's Multiplicity another watch. This sci-fi comedy, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Michael Keaton, has been overlooked for too long. While it didn't perform well at the box office back then, it's now a cult classic, and for good reason. Let's take a closer look at why this movie deserves a spot on your watchlist this weekend.
A Perfect Premise for a Comedy Showcase
On paper, Multiplicity had everything going for it. Keaton plays Doug Kinney, a stressed-out construction worker trying to balance his family and home life. He's married to Laura (Andie MacDowell) and has two kids. In a '90s twist, he meets a scientist who has invented cloning technology and offers to clone him. Doug says yes, and eventually ends up with four versions of himself: Doug #1, the original, is overworked and high-strung; Doug #2 is a workaholic, aggressive, and hyper-masculine; Doug #3 is a homemaker, ultra-sensitive, and deeply invested in cooking and feelings; and Doug #4 is a clumsy, childlike clone. Keaton plays all four parts to the hilt, and it's clear he's having a blast. The visual effects, by 1996 standards, are impressive, and far superior to what we were used to in movies like Double Impact. So, what went wrong?
So Why Did It Bomb?
One reason it underperformed is that by 1996, Keaton was no longer viewed as a comedic actor. This is ironic, as he broke out as a movie star by acting almost exclusively in comedies like Night Shift, Johnny Dangerously, and Beetlejuice. His transition to drama with Clean & Sober and Batman was smoother than going back to comedy. Many thought Multiplicity would have done better with someone like Bill Murray, the leading man of Groundhog Day. Despite its failure, Keaton fondly remembers the film, telling GQ, 'I loved doing Multiplicity.' He also noted how much less complicated it would be to make nowadays with CGI. 'Multiplicity - to make it today it would take about seventeen minutes. It's 96, right? You don't have all the toys.'
Ramis himself bounced back commercially with Analyze This in 1999, but sadly passed away in 2014. So, where can you stream it today?
Where to Stream It
Despite not doing well in 1996, Multiplicity is well-regarded thirty years later and is easy to find on streaming platforms. If you haven't seen it and know Keaton mostly as a dramatic actor or as Batman, give it a shot. It's not currently on Netflix in the U.S., but you can rent it on pretty much every major platform. Do you have fond memories of Multiplicity? Let us know in the comments!
In my opinion, Multiplicity is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. It's a fun, imaginative comedy with a unique premise and great performances from Keaton and the supporting cast. The film's failure at the box office was a shame, but it's now a cult classic, and for good reason. So, why not give it a watch this weekend and see for yourself why it's worth a spot on your watchlist?
