Welcome to the Breeniverse

Not too much is known about Neil Breen, a modern prince of outsider art. First of all, his full name is Cornelius, a fact I don’t see enough people talking about. For most of his life he worked in real estate and architecture in Las Vegas. And despite no formal film training or documented production experience, in 2005 at the age of 47, Breen made his first feature film. 

People often compare Breen to Tommy Wisseau, director of “The Room” but I don’t think it’s a fair comparison. Breen has made five times as many films. All of them turned a profit, according to him. And while Wisseau attempts to get in on the joke of his critical failure by claiming his film is a dark comedy, Breen never backs away from his intentions.

These are not midnight movies. They are legitimate, mainstream, commercial features that should be played in the 7:30 p.m. slot, says Breen. 

It’s fair to still question if Breen is in on the joke. But people forget how difficult it is to make a “bad” movie that is also enjoyable. With the cult success of the aforementioned “The Room,” low-budget studios everywhere attempted to recreate this lightning in a bottle. But for every “Birdemic,” we got 20 “Sharknados.” I believe Breen’s ability to put out hit after hit comes from his genuine love of film and his best attempts to make Hollywood-level features without the Hollywood resources, and while they are deserving of laughs at times, they also deserve a critical watch.

I encourage you to stay til the credits because you’ll see that Breen is not only the writer, director, producer, and lead actor in all his films, he’s also the location scout, the set decorator, the cinematographer, even craft services. And frankly, it’s inspiring.

Here’s a breakdown of Neil Breen’s 5 feature films, including “Cade: The Tortured Crossing” scheduled for release early this year.

Double Down - 2005

The movie that put him on the map, and probably his most well-known film. “Double Down” follows self-proclaimed hacker genius Aaron Brand (played by Breen) who developed a biological weapon that could eliminate the Las Vegas strip. However, he’s also a philanthropist, who loves his country. How will he cope with his double life? As with many of his films, “Double Down” is a commentary on the nature of power and the corrupting influence it can have on those who possess it. Despite consisting of the same four scenes replayed over-and-over, peppered with stock footage, “Double Down” keeps your attention with its truly surprising twists and turns. Alexa, please cue the tuna scene. 

I Am Here …. Now - 2009

Disclaimer: That extra period in the ellipses is not a typo. And if you’re already feeling dysregulated by this, I don’t recommend you watch any further. In “I Am Here …. Now,” Breen plays an alien techno god who comes back to earth to punish the sinful and corrupt for destroying the planet. Here, we’re beginning to see Breen’s auteurship start to crystalize. I am convinced that he’s playing telephone with an alien entity feeding him his screenplays through a tin can phone, which is why they are all so surreal and bizarre.

Fateful Findings - 2012

Fateful Findings is my favorite addition to the Breeniverse and usually the movie I recommend as a gateway to his oeuvre. It’s got everything, magical rocks, dead wife, hacking, ripped shirts, and the takedown of corrupt power. This is also possibly his most successful “romantic” storyline, despite his claims to have loved his much younger lead since she was eight years old ….

Fateful Findings also includes my favorite scene ever included in a major motion picture. And that’s the spinach scene.

He’s just a silly goofy guy.

Pass Thru - 2016

Co-starring a green screen tiger credited as Viad and once again armed with superior intelligence, Breen builds off of the themes of “I Am Here …. Now” to this time kill off even more bad people, 300 million in fact. However, “Pass Thru” includes the first instance of what will eventually become a staple for Breen and that’s … doubles … later twins in “Twisted Pair” … and possibly triplets in “Cade: The Tortured Crossing.” 

Twisted Pair - 2018

Probably his biggest commercial release to date, I saw “Twisted Pair” on its first run at Alamo Drafthouse for goodness sake. In an interview, Breen says he was approached by many theaters and played his film in over 50 major cities around the world. 

This is Breen’s “Avatar.” His use of special effects, twin technology, and fake beards signified to me that he is leveling up his game and is showing us where he plans to go next. He’s losing the denim, the deserts, the magic rocks, and opting for more refined tech, more complex storylines, and more Neil Breen’s.

Cade: The Tortured Crossing - 2023

Despite being a twin named Cade, Breen has stated that this isn’t intended to be a sequel to “Twisted Pair.” All we know about his sixth film is what’s on his website. Well, the website to this film. Did I mention Breen creates a new website for each film where you can order the DVD, which naturally comes in a cracked jewel case with no cover art?

We know the film is finished, but we’re waiting on festivals (ahem SXSW) and distributors to take note and help make this more widely available.

Now, grab some friends, cast a protection spell, dust off that jean vest, and join us in the Breeniverse.