Schizopolis is a 1996 experimental comedy film written, directed, and starring Steven Soderbergh, exploring themes of identity, communication, and existential crisis. The film is divided into three loosely connected sections.
The first section follows Fletcher Munson (played by Soderbergh), an office worker at a self-help organization called Eventualism, which bears similarities to Scientology. His job is to write speeches for the organization's enigmatic and unpleasant leader, T. Azimuth Schwitters. Fletcher becomes increasingly disillusioned with his job and personal life, feeling disconnected from his wife, co-workers, and the world around him.
The second section focuses on a character referred to as "Nameless Numberhead Man," a man who goes about his daily routine while narration from various sources comment on his thoughts and actions. The section explores the concept of language and communication.
The third section is a parody of soap operas, featuring a range of characters whose storylines intersect in absurd and unexpected ways. It features multiple actors playing each character, including Soderbergh, writer Buck Henry, and actress Betsy Brantley.
Schizopolis is an experimental and unconventional film that deliberately avoids a linear narrative structure and traditional character development. It utilizes various filmmaking techniques, including jump cuts, voice-overs, and mock interviews, to explore and deconstruct ideas of identity, language, and communication.