Films of David Cronenberg
I decided to have a home film festival honoring the work of my hometown hero, David Cronenberg.
I was fortunate to meet David Cronenberg for lunch in my late teens. I was working at the Oakville Centre of the Performing Arts at the time and the girl who was teaching drama to the children there knew Cronenberg’s sister, Denise. I must have hounded her relentlessly, with me being a horror film genre nut and a Cronenberg super fan. I can’t remember exactly where his house was at the time, I think around Summerhill subway station.
He made me a sandwich (tuna if I recall) and we spent an hour talking about old timey horror films, mostly German expressionist films like Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. To say I was in heaven was an understatement. He mentioned he was in the process of writing the screenplay for a film called The Fly but was struggling with not having it turn into just another monster film. I remember how encouraging he was about filmmaking.
Told me not to give up. He was soft spoken, kind and very polite. Not at all what I was imagining on my walk to his house. When we parted he asked me to leave my phone number as he might have some extra work in his film. I can only assume it was The Fly. Sadly, the call never came but one of my best memories remain. It’s not often you meet your heroes and it’s certainly a bonus when they exceed all your expectations.
For shits and giggles I used some AI (ChatGPT) for all the film reviews below. Not bad, but not great. When I have more time I’ll go back, edit and make them more human than human.
Shivers
Rabid
The Brood
Scanners
Videodrome
The Dead Zone
The Fly
Naked Lunch
M. Butterfly
Crash
eXistenZ
Spider
A History of Violence
Eastern Promises
A Dangerous Method
Cosmopolis
Maps to the Stars
Crimes of the Future
01 Shivers IMDb
A classic in the genre of body horror that helped to define the auteur’s career. The story follows an isolated apartment building in Montreal where the residents are infected with a mysterious parasite that causes them to experience violent and sexual cravings. The doctor who created the parasite, Dr. Emil Hobbes, has also created a serum that can cure the infection, but it is stolen before it can be distributed.
The film is a masterclass in suspense and horror, as Cronenberg builds tension in subtle ways to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The special effects are also quite impressive, particularly the parasite itself, which has a unique look that makes it both creepy and fascinating. The acting is also great, with Paul Hampton as the doctor, Joe Silver as the landlord, and Lynn Lowry as the infected woman who becomes the parasite’s main victim.
In the end, Shivers is a classic horror film that still holds up today. It is a dark, unsettling movie that is perfect for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.
02 Rabid IMDb
Rabid tells the story of a woman named Rose (Marilyn Chambers) who is involved in a motorcycle accident and undergoes experimental surgery. The surgery results in Rose developing a taste for human blood, which causes her to spread a mysterious disease that turns people into zombie-like creatures.
Cronenberg’s unique vision is on full display in Rabid, which explores the themes of disease, transformation, and societal breakdown. The film is a powerful commentary on the dangers of medical experimentation and the effects of the spread of disease. The movie is filled with unsettling, body horror imagery and graphic violence that would become the hallmark of Cronenberg’s later work.
The lead actress Marilyn Chambers delivers a strong performance, conveying both vulnerability and menace as her character goes through her transformation. The supporting cast is also strong, with solid performances from Frank Moore and Susan Roman.
Rabid is a thought-provoking and visually striking horror film that showcases Cronenberg’s mastery of the genre. While it may not be for everyone due to its graphic content, fans of the horror genre and fans of Cronenberg’s work will appreciate the film’s themes, unique style, and memorable imagery.
03 The Brood IMDb
This film follows a psychologist who becomes embroiled in a bizarre case involving a woman who appears to be giving birth to monstrous and violent children.
The Brood is a disturbing and intense horror film that showcases Cronenberg’s signature blend of body horror and psychological thriller. The film is tense and creepy from start to finish, building an atmosphere of dread and unease as the story unfolds. The special effects are impressive, with the grotesque and deformed children being particularly memorable.
What really sets The Brood apart, however, is its exploration of themes related to psychology, trauma, and the way that our experiences can manifest physically. The film is deeply unsettling, delving into some dark and uncomfortable territory, but it is also thought-provoking and memorable. The performances are strong across the board, with Oliver Reed and Samantha Eggar delivering particularly noteworthy performances.
The Brood is a fascinating and well-executed horror film that will appeal to fans of Cronenberg’s work and the horror genre more broadly. It is a thought-provoking exploration of some dark themes, and it manages to be both entertaining and deeply unsettling at the same time.
04 Scanners IMDb
Scanners follows a group of individuals with powerful psychic abilities, known as “scanners,” who are hunted down by a private security firm for their dangerous potential. The film stars Stephen Lack, Michael Ironside, and Patrick McGoohan, among others.
Cronenberg’s signature body horror elements are present in Scanners, as the characters use their psychic abilities to control and manipulate others’ bodies in gruesome and disturbing ways. The practical special effects used to depict these moments are impressive and add to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, with a slow build-up to its shocking and violent climax. The characters are well-acted, with Michael Ironside’s performance as the villainous scanner Darryl Revok being a standout.
Scanners is a well-crafted and disturbing film that blends elements of science fiction, horror, and thriller genres. While it may not be for everyone due to its graphic violence and unsettling themes, it is a must-see for fans of Cronenberg’s unique and thought-provoking brand of horror.
05 Videodrome IMDb
Videodrome is a science fiction horror film starring James Woods and Deborah Harry. The film tells the story of Max Renn, the CEO of a small television station in Toronto who becomes obsessed with a strange and violent television show called “Videodrome.”
The film is a mind-bending exploration of technology, media, and the human psyche. It is a visually stunning film that features a blend of practical effects and body horror, as well as surreal and disturbing imagery.
Cronenberg’s direction is masterful, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere throughout the film. The themes of the film are thought-provoking and still relevant today, as it explores the role of media in shaping our perceptions of reality and the power dynamics that come with it.
The performances of James Woods and Deborah Harry are captivating, with Woods delivering a standout performance as Max Renn, a man whose descent into madness is both disturbing and tragic.
Videodrome is a deeply disturbing and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. It is a must-see for fans of science fiction, horror, and fans of David Cronenberg’s unique style of filmmaking.
06 The Dead Zone IMDb
Based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film tells the story of Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken), a man who wakes up from a coma with the ability to see into the future and the past of people he touches. He uses this power to help prevent tragedies but also becomes a target of the press, the police, and a politician (Martin Sheen) running for office.
Cronenberg’s direction and Walken’s performance are the standout aspects of the film. The film is a slow burn, but Cronenberg’s attention to detail and his ability to create an eerie and foreboding atmosphere keeps the audience engaged. Walken delivers a convincing and nuanced performance, showcasing his range as an actor.
The film’s themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of actions are thought-provoking and add depth to the story.
The Dead Zone is a compelling and well-crafted film that delivers both thrills and substance. It’s a standout in the genre of psychological thrillers and is definitely worth watching.
07 The Fly IMDb
The film follows scientist Seth Brundle, who accidentally merges with a housefly during an experiment, and slowly transforms into a monstrous creature.
The film is a masterful blend of horror, sci-fi, and tragedy, and Cronenberg’s direction is nothing short of exceptional. The film’s body horror elements are particularly effective, with stunning practical effects that make the transformation of Brundle into the fly creature both grotesque and mesmerizing.
The performances in the film are excellent, particularly that of Jeff Goldblum, who delivers a tour-de-force performance as the charming and intelligent yet tragic Brundle. Geena Davis also turns in a solid performance as Veronica.
The Fly is a classic film that still holds up today. It’s a masterful blend of horror and tragedy, with a unique and memorable story and unforgettable performances.
08 Naked Lunch IMDb
Based on the novel of the same name by William S. Burroughs. The film follows the story of a writer named Bill Lee, played by Peter Weller, who is drawn into a bizarre, hallucinatory world of addiction, crime, and strange creatures.
Cronenberg’s adaptation of the book is a surreal and disturbing journey that challenges the audience’s perceptions of reality and morality. The film is a deeply unsettling exploration of addiction, creativity, and the human psyche.
The film’s visuals are stunning and grotesque, featuring Cronenberg’s trademark body horror, as well as inventive creature designs and striking imagery that blurs the line between fantasy and reality.
Naked Lunch is a challenging, thought-provoking film that is not for everyone. For those who appreciate Cronenberg’s unique vision, it is a fascinating and unforgettable experience.
09 M. Butterfly IMDb
Based on the play of the same name by David Henry Hwang. The film tells the story of a French diplomat named Rene Gallimard, who falls in love with a Chinese opera singer named Song Liling. The film explores themes of gender, sexuality, power, and cultural stereotypes.
Cronenberg’s direction is excellent, with the film’s stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and haunting score immersing the audience in the world of the story.
M. Butterfly is a powerful and thought-provoking film that delves into issues of identity, power, and deception in a way that is both engaging and challenging.
10 Crash IMDb
Based on J.G. Ballard’s novel of the same name. The film is a controversial and unsettling exploration of human sexuality, obsession, and the interplay between technology and the human body.
The film centers around a group of individuals who are drawn to car crashes as a form of sexual expression. The lead character, played by James Spader, becomes involved with a woman played by Deborah Kara Unger.
Cronenberg’s direction is masterful, creating a surreal and disorienting atmosphere that perfectly captures the film’s themes of obsession and detachment.
Crash is not a film for everyone, but for those willing to engage with its themes and ideas, it is a powerful and thought-provoking film.
11 eXistenZ IMDb
The film takes place in a near-future where a virtual reality game called “eXistenZ” has become incredibly popular. The game is played by plugging a bio-port directly into the player’s spine.
The film stars Jennifer Jason Leigh as Allegra Geller, a game designer who becomes the target of an assassination attempt while giving a presentation of her new game.
eXistenZ is a well-crafted, mind-bending film that explores a number of interesting themes related to reality, technology, and identity.
The performances of Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law are also noteworthy, and Cronenberg skillfully blurs the line between reality and virtual reality.
12 Spider IMDb
Based on the novel by Patrick McGrath. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as a troubled man named Spider, who is released from a mental institution and moves into a halfway house.
Cronenberg’s direction is masterful, creating a haunting and unsettling atmosphere that perfectly matches the film’s subject matter. Fiennes delivers a powerful performance.
Spider is a slow-burning and introspective film that delves into the complexities of the human psyche.
The cinematography and production design effectively capture the bleak and oppressive environment of the character’s mind.
13 A History of Violence IMDb
Starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke.
The film tells the story of Tom Stall, a small-town family man who becomes a local hero after he kills two criminals who attempt to rob his diner.
A History of Violence is a tense and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, violence, and the blurred line between good and evil.
The performances are strong, with Mortensen giving a nuanced and layered performance as a man torn between his past and present selves.
14 Eastern Promises IMDb
A crime thriller starring Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, and Vincent Cassel. The film is set in the criminal underworld of London.
Cronenberg’s direction is confident and assured, with a strong attention to detail and a willingness to explore the gritty, violent world of the film without flinching.
Mortensen delivers a mesmerizing performance as Nikolai, a mysterious and ruthless Russian mobster.
Eastern Promises is a tense, visceral, and deeply compelling crime thriller that showcases Cronenberg’s masterful direction.
15 A Dangerous Method IMDb
A film which explores the relationship between psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, and the young Russian patient Sabina Spielrein who comes between them.
The performances are outstanding, with Michael Fassbender bringing depth and nuance to Carl Jung, Viggo Mortensen as Sigmund Freud, and Keira Knightley as Sabina Spielrein.
The cinematography and direction are excellent, as Cronenberg deftly balances the intellectual and emotional elements of the story.
A Dangerous Method is a gripping and intelligent film that explores the early days of psychoanalysis.
16 Cosmopolis IMDb
Based on the novel of the same name by Don DeLillo. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Eric Packer, a young billionaire who travels across Manhattan in his stretch limousine to get a haircut.
The film is a thought-provoking exploration of capitalism, technology, and the human condition. Cronenberg’s direction creates a surreal and detached atmosphere.
Pattinson delivers a solid performance as Packer, effectively portraying his detachment and disillusionment.
Cosmopolis is a well-crafted film that rewards patient viewers with an intelligent exploration of the emptiness of modern life.
17 Maps to the Stars IMDb
The film takes a darkly humorous look at the lives of Hollywood elites, exploring themes of fame, ambition, and the pursuit of success.
The film offers a scathing critique of the entertainment industry and its obsession with celebrity. The performances are outstanding, with Julianne Moore delivering a standout portrayal of a fading actress desperate to regain her former glory.
The film is visually striking, with a moody, atmospheric tone that underscores the dark and twisted nature of the story.
Maps to the Stars is a compelling and thought-provoking film that showcases Cronenberg’s unique vision and storytelling style.
18 Crimes of the Future IMDb
In a future where the human species is adapting to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Performance artist Saul Tenser publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances with his partner Caprice.
Cronenberg’s direction is characteristically stylish, with a focus on the bizarre and unsettling. The film features Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart.
Crimes of the Future is a cerebral and thought-provoking film that will appeal to fans of Cronenberg’s unique brand of science fiction and body horror.
