A science fiction thriller once dismissed by critics is getting a second chance to impress UK audiences tonight. Gemini Man, the 2019 film starring Will Smith, is set for a broadcast on Channel 4 at 11:05pm, prompting a fresh look at its divisive legacy.
A Project Two Decades in the Making
The film's journey to the screen was famously long and troubled. The original screenplay by Darren Lemke dates back to 1997, spending over twenty years in development. During that time, the lead role was considered for Hollywood heavyweights including Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, and Sean Connery, before ultimately landing with action star Will Smith.
Directed by two-time Oscar-winner Ang Lee, the plot follows 51-year-old ex-Marine sniper Henry Brogan. He finds himself targeted by a mysterious and highly skilled assassin, who is revealed to be a 23-year-old clone of himself. This clone is the product of a covert biotech initiative known as the Gemini Project.
Groundbreaking Tech and Critical Backlash
The film was notable for its pioneering, and controversial, technical achievements. It employed advanced deepfake CGI to 'de-age' Will Smith, creating a fully digital younger version of the actor. Furthermore, it was shot at a high frame rate of 120 frames per second, a stark contrast to the standard 24fps, which aimed for hyper-realistic action.
Upon its release, these innovations divided critics. Many reviews were negative, with the film branded as weird, dizzying, and unconvincing on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. One critic quipped that "even two Will Smiths can't save this sinking ship." Another, David Griffiths, suggested it was so flawed it might become a cult classic for the wrong reasons, akin to The Room.
Re-evaluation and Fan Defence
In the years since its cinematic debut, Gemini Man has been reassessed by many viewers. Fans have championed it as an underrated and entertaining piece of sci-fi. Supporters praise its visual spectacle and heart, with one viewer stating it is "visually cool and surprisingly fun."
This reassessment has sparked a debate about the gap between critical and audience opinion. One fan, pushing back against the initial scepticism, argued online: "A perfect example of the fact that critics have no idea what movie audiences like!" Despite the mixed reviews, the film's quality was acknowledged with a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film at the Saturn Awards, though it lost to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Alongside Smith, the film features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong. Audiences can judge the film's merits for themselves when it airs on Channel 4 and Channel 4seven tonight at 11:05pm.
