The movie playing in the background of High On Life’s apartment throughout the game is a constant source of comedic relief and bizarre entertainment, but how long is it really? The full movie shown in High On Life is a compilation of intentionally terrible, low-budget sci-fi and horror films, totaling approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in length.
The Enduring Appeal of High On Life’s B-Movie Bonanza
High On Life, the irreverent and often absurd first-person shooter from Justin Roiland and Squanch Games, distinguishes itself not just through its talking guns and outlandish premise, but also its commitment to immersive world-building. A crucial element of this is the perpetually running movie playing in the protagonist’s apartment. This isn’t just a static background element; it’s a carefully curated collection of terrible, yet strangely captivating, B-movies. These films serve as a constant stream of comedic commentary, blurring the lines between the game’s narrative and the absurd reality they present. The extended runtime ensures that even during longer play sessions, players are still likely to encounter fresh, hilarious snippets from these cinematic disasters. The movie is a vital aspect of the game’s humor, and its length speaks volumes about Squanch Games’ dedication to creating a truly unique experience.
Understanding the Movie Compilation’s Structure
The movie isn’t one continuous film but a cleverly spliced-together montage of different low-budget projects. This approach allows for maximum comedic impact, presenting a constant stream of jarring transitions and bizarre plotlines. Identifying the exact films used can be challenging, but the distinct visual styles and acting performances make it clear that several different projects are featured. While specific titles are difficult to verify definitively due to their obscurity, many players recognize stylistic similarities with public domain or independently produced B-movies from the 80s and 90s. The compilation’s structure adds to the overall chaotic and unpredictable nature of High On Life.
The Impact on Gameplay and Immersion
Beyond the humor, the movie significantly impacts the player’s immersion. Its constant presence creates a sense of lived-in space and reinforces the protagonist’s mundane origins. Hearing snippets of terrible dialogue and witnessing bizarre special effects as you prepare for intergalactic battles adds an extra layer of absurdity to the already outlandish game. The movie acts as a constant reminder of the protagonist’s “normal” life before becoming a bounty hunter, creating a compelling contrast between the everyday and the extraordinary. This clever integration of background detail contributes significantly to High On Life’s unique atmosphere.
Is the Movie Important to the Story?
While the movie isn’t directly linked to the main plot, its presence enriches the narrative context. It provides a constant source of humor and commentary, acting as a meta-narrative that reflects the game’s overall tone. The movie isn’t essential for understanding the story, but its absence would undoubtedly diminish the game’s comedic appeal.
How Does the Movie’s Runtime Affect the Player Experience?
The movie’s approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes runtime ensures that even during extended play sessions, players are likely to encounter new snippets and humorous moments. This adds a layer of replayability to the game, as players can revisit the apartment to discover new clips they may have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the movie in High On Life, offering more insight into this unique game element:
FAQ 1: Can I turn off the movie in High On Life?
Yes, you can turn off the movie in the game’s settings. This is particularly helpful for players who find the constant noise distracting or prefer a quieter gaming experience. Simply navigate to the audio settings and adjust the volume of the “TV” sound to zero.
FAQ 2: Does the movie ever change?
No, the movie remains consistent throughout the entire game. It’s always the same compilation of B-movies, ensuring a consistent stream of comedic relief regardless of where you are in the story.
FAQ 3: Are there any hidden references or Easter eggs in the movie?
While Squanch Games hasn’t explicitly confirmed any specific Easter eggs, the movie’s selection is likely curated with intentionality. Many believe there are nods to specific low-budget sci-fi and horror films from the 80s and 90s, rewarding eagle-eyed viewers.
FAQ 4: Does the movie interact with the game’s story or characters?
The characters in the game do occasionally comment on the movie, adding another layer of humor. They might make sarcastic remarks about the terrible acting or bizarre plotlines, further blurring the lines between the game’s narrative and the background noise.
FAQ 5: Can I watch the movie outside of the game?
Unfortunately, the full compilation isn’t officially available outside of High On Life. However, fragments of the movie have been shared online by players who have captured gameplay footage. There are no standalone releases or streaming options for the full movie.
FAQ 6: Who created the movie compilation for High On Life?
Squanch Games themselves, or contracted editors, are responsible for compiling and editing the movie. They likely sourced footage from public domain or independently produced B-movies to create the final product.
FAQ 7: Is the movie intentionally bad?
Yes, absolutely. The movie’s terrible acting, low-budget special effects, and nonsensical plotlines are all intentionally designed to be comedic. Its purpose is to provide a constant stream of absurdist humor that complements the game’s overall tone.
FAQ 8: Does the movie have any connection to Justin Roiland’s other works?
While not directly connected to Rick and Morty or other Roiland projects in terms of story, the movie shares a similar sense of absurdist humor and meta-commentary. It fits within Roiland’s signature style of creating intentionally awkward and hilarious content.
FAQ 9: Can I fast forward or rewind the movie in the game?
No, you cannot directly control the movie playback. It plays continuously and automatically, cycling through the compilation. You can’t fast forward, rewind, or pause it.
FAQ 10: How much of the movie can I typically see in one playthrough of High On Life?
Due to the length of the movie and the amount of time spent in the apartment, it is unlikely players will see the full runtime of the movie in one playthrough. Players will see a significant portion, but encountering all the segments would require deliberately idling in the apartment for an extended period.
FAQ 11: What genres are represented in the movie compilation?
The compilation primarily features low-budget sci-fi and horror films. Expect to see cheesy aliens, poorly rendered monsters, and generally over-the-top performances characteristic of the genres. The selection deliberately leans into the tropes and clichés of these B-movies.
FAQ 12: Does the quality of the movie ever improve?
No, the quality remains consistently “bad” throughout the entire movie. This is intentional, as the low quality is a key part of the humor. Don’t expect any sudden improvements in acting, special effects, or plot development. The deliberately poor quality is the whole point.
By understanding the movie’s length, structure, and purpose, players can fully appreciate the unique comedic element it brings to High On Life, enhancing the overall gaming experience and contributing to the game’s lasting appeal.