4. They Push Their Budget
Something any film maker will relate to is having to produce something massive with a tiny sum of money. Afterlife's budget was a mere $60 Million Dollars US, a small amount considering it was the first of the franchise to be shot in 3D. Despite fan ridicule and tight budgeting by Sony Films, director Anderson continues to do what he loves: special effects range from decent to laughable, but you know what? He doesn't care, evidently doing what he wants, regardless of how "professionals" trash his work. You may not have to like him, but you sure have to respect that commitment. There are some serious effects fails though, and this is due to the low budget. A particular scene in Afterlife comes to mind: an Alice clone does a front flip in mid air, decapitating two Umbrella Operatives as she goes - the actress then floats for a second or two, revealing how the shot was done. Or when the Axeman knocks Alice against a bathroom wall, only to have the wall shudder upon impact; little moments like these really reinforce how sloppy the effects can be. A bigger budget would allow Anderson to fully realise his dreams, but sadly, Sony just won't grant it to him. He does an admirable job with what is available, however.