Cabba's ReviewsLong Live The New Flesh
July 29th 2009 13:28
Videodrome, one of the earlier films by mastermind David Cronenberg is just about one of the most bizarre, strange, very strange...can't think of any other synonyms for strange...well, one of the eccentric films I have ever seen. IN A GOOD WAY! It was a perfect combination of science fiction versus sexual fantasy versus a genuine discussion of a relevant issue in society. Yes, some of the dialogue, camerawork and scenes are cheesy, but hey, it was the 80s and I'm sure back then, it would've been a very impacting and revolutionary piece of work.
Brief Plotline:
The film itself is a little confusing to be honest. The main idea throughout was basically saying that television was going to revolutionise humanity by allowing the media to reach new audiences they've never been able to reach and influence the audiences' minds. It was almost a warning film against television and its abilities to control humans. I guess the equivalent now would be the internet...
But yes, the overall story revolves around Max Renn, deliciously portrayed by James Woods. He is the president of a small television channel dedicated to porn, ranging from soft porn to hardcore. Always on the lookout for the 'next big thing', Max one day stumbles upon a new television show called 'videodrome', which had somehow accidentally transmitted to their television station. Max is intrigued by the 'sexual' violence shown in videodrome and is convinced that it will be the next big thing. However, what he doesn't know is that by watching videodrome, he starts to experience hallucinations and crazy dreams. Soon, he is under the control of videodrome and he must find out who is behind it and destroy it before it takes over his mind completely and the minds of the public.
This film reminded me a little of A Nightmare on Elm Street just for its depiction of reality against illusion. All of his hallucinations were very blurred and intertwined with realism to create a film that always did not fail to surprise me nor confuse me at times. The use of special effects I thought was particularly effective. I thought whoever was their makeup artist did a tremendous job with the 'fake vagina' (you'll get it when you watch it!) and the bubbling videotape. The gore however was never overdone and was a nice treat to an overall tense and well plotted film.
The plot somehow felt a little forced, with everything being too perfect or too planned. I felt it needed a little more absurdity just to make the final few scenes believable. The use of the television as a communicator was very intelligent and I particularly liked it when the television substituted human flesh. For those who have not seen it, there are several scenes where James Woods' character hallucinates when sees his television set as his girlfriend. He proceeds to feel and touch this television box as if it is a human being, hence blurring television and reality.
The very very end, I felt, was very nice, having a nice tag line "long live the new flesh" as the motto for Max's vengeance, but I felt the few scenes leading up to that were a little forced just to reach that final end.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I respect its originality and its ability to convey such a relevant issue in current society in such a daring and subjective manner. Although television has lost its power since when it was first introduced, it still retains so much influence on how we view the world and our opinions. With television being a very passive communicator, where the audience is unable to really respond, I believe the internet has filled in that gap and has allowed audiences to express who they are and their own opinions. However, with that, I think more than ever now, humans want to be different and unique just to feel 'special'. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but for now, just be thankful you're only being mildly brainwashed by the media....!
I give this film 3.5 STARTS OUT OF 5
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
An amazing film full of intriguing ideas and observations society.
If your interested my review of the film can be found HERE
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
It's an on-again off-again thing I have with the tele.
She says I'm too remote. Too controlling. I like turning her on with my feet, sometimes.
I like your style, Amy. You've got a lot.
Comment by Amy Wang
Films, Films And More FIlms
Hey Norm! HAHA love your comments. Always gets me thinking...and laughing. Thanks and same to you. I particularly like your bathroom sink face. It's got a surprising amount of personality.