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Director Robert S. Fiveson made only one feature film, 1979's "Parts: The Clonus Horror," yet it stands as a noteworthy legacy. The film explored a relatively unexplored concept at the time and delivered a chilling story that continues to captivate audiences nearly three decades later.
Born in Winnipeg on June 15, 1947, Fiveson moved to Toronto during early childhood and stayed there until age 10 before his family relocated to Brooklyn. His youth was marked by a mix of juvenile mischief and leading roles in school plays. A passionate reader, he was especially drawn to stories of the strange and macabre. His interest in theater persisted until he discovered filmmaking at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where a professor significantly influenced his career path. Fiveson created several award-winning student films, including one titled "Skin Flick," which, despite its provocative name, was a slow, detailed study of a bearded man's face. Following this, he enrolled at USC.
For his thesis, Fiveson made "Good Times," a film about New York City gangs that incorporated elements from his own experiences. Universal Studios acquired it for their educational division, where Fiveson later worked as a staff writer and producer after graduating from USC. During this period, his fascination with cloning led him to collaborate with Myrl A. Schreibman, a Universal cost controller who played a key role in bringing "Clonus" to fruition.
The film was financed by seven investors, including Fiveson's father, with a budget around $257,000. This funding covered casting recognizable actors such as Peter Graves, Dick Sargent, and Keenan Wynn. The shoot lasted 18 days. Although it won the 1979 Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror award for best low-budget independent film, it did not achieve commercial success.
Following this, Fiveson wrote various scripts that failed to garner significant interest. During the 1988 writers' strike, he shifted careers, taking on roles as head of production for the Air Force and Department of Defense. Later, he transitioned to documentary filmmaking, producing content for channels like A&E and The Discovery Channel.
While "Parts: The Clonus Horror" remains Fiveson's only feature film credit, he deserves recognition for creating a smart, thought-provoking, and unsettling film that boldly examined the power of money and special interests.
