Videodrome Reviews

David Cronenberg's films are technically very well made and while his films are very disturbing a good deal of his films also have either a dark or subtle wit, poignant emotion or even both. He is for me one of the most interesting and unlike any other out there directors, despite being known for body horror and originating it his films are much more than that. All these are the reasons for my admiration and appreciation for him.

Will be honest in saying that 'Videodrome' is not quite one of my favourites of his, do much prefer the likes of 'Dead Ringers' and 'The Fly' and find that they are more accessible as films. It is still a very intriguing film that hits hard on the disturbance factor. Something of a transition film, with all the distinctive Cronenberg touches and themes but now exploring more ambitious concepts, on top of being one of his most disturbing 'Videodrome' is also one of his most personal and most complex.

'Videodrome's' weak links really are the story and pace in the latter stages. The story starts off very interesting and much of the film is unsettling in atmosphere, but in the latter stages it does start to unravel and the more it does the less sense it makes and more muddled it gets until the viewer is completely lost.

As the story unravels, the pace does too, meandering until it becomes exhausting when things get on the over-the-top side.

However, as always with Cronenberg, 'Videodrome' is a very accomplished looking film. It boasts some of the most startling imagery of any Cronenberg film (in a way that is both disturbing and also oddly beautiful), Cronenberg again showing his visual mastery even if the techniques became even more refined in his later work, as can be seen with 'The Fly' and 'Dead Ringers'. Howard Shore's, a Cronenberg regular, score is deeply haunting while also with a degree of emotion, not just going for full on horror but also the emotional core.

Script may not have as much dark wit or poignancy as other Cronenberg films, but it probes the mind at least and flows well. Much of the film is truly unnerving and makes one think twice about the future of media, the tension there frequently. Cronenberg directs with a typically adept touch. The characters carry 'Videodrome', Max is a sleazeball and is a meaty one at that. The acting is very good, with the driving force being James Woods giving a lead performance of true ferocity.

Overall, good if not one of my favourites of Cronenberg. 7/10

All right so it's time to check out a wild Cronenberg classic. I actually know very little about this one besides a handful of things that I only barely remember. I didn't even know Debbie Harry was in this! I have seen a few Cronenberg movies which were definitely unique. Now I can add this to that slowly growing list. Let's see why this is considered so memorable and defining.

That was pretty insane! It does seem to mirror the idea of stuff like Youtube in the scenario. Although the videos are obviously not what you would go searching for or typically see there considering that they are snuff films. It also felt like a way more bearable influence on A Serbian Film. Of course it probably isn't, but it does feel that way. This is a psychological body horror story. I don't know that I would consider it an excellent film, but it is certainly innovative. The special FX were quite good for it's time. Practical effects are usually quite good and end up feeling sort of realistic if done well. I mean a lot of it looked pretty grotesque if you like that kind of stuff like I do. The sexual aspect of this film is quite disturbing and is actually something different. The ending was messed up. It's a very interesting concept and leaves much to be up for interpretation.

The characters were alright. They kind of reminded me of the weirdo characters from May. It was interesting seeing Debbie Harry with red hair as well as in a movie. I thought she did pretty well considering she is a singer. Back in that time I don't think too many singers were all that great at acting with of course exception. Now you see it all the time. James Woods is a little silly at times, but he is still quite the cool cat. Max Renn and O'Blivion are some pretty cool names. I kind of liked the character of Harlan. I thought everyone did a decent job.

You can always depend on Cronenberg to make a film full of crazy imagery or characters where it makes you wonder about the whole thing. It's pretty gross out. It's very familiar with a few ideas, but mostly the concept is pretty fresh even after all this time. It's one heck of an oddball which is to be expected. The special FX is the gold of the movie though. The characters weren't all that amazing. The acting however was fairly good even from Debbie Harry. All in all it certainly messes with your mind, but it keeps you interested and entertained.

Honestly, it has been a while since I have seen this flick and I should definitely re-watch it at some point. Anyway, it is definitely a typical Cronenberg feature and I thought it was pretty good. At the time, Cronenberg was still transitioning to some more commercial features easier to digest for the mainstream audience but there were still many of his famous trademarks that you could find in his rather gross horror features he made at the end of the 70’s. As a result, even though the whole thing was quite accessible , it was still pretty weird and sometimes a little bit hard to follow but there was definitely something quite spellbinding about the whole thing and there was no denying that it was visually quite impressive. James Woods, one of the most underrated actors that ever lived, was a perfect choice and he delivered one of his typical hysterical and over-the-top performances which fit really well in Cronenberg’s demented world. To be honest, I actually preferred ‘eXistenZ’ which Cronenberg made much later on his career as it was more compelling to watch in my opinion but I still enjoyed this one and I will definitely check it again in the future. To conclude, even though I’m not sure if it is really a masterpiece, it is still a really intriguing feature and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you are interested in David Cronenberg’s work.