If you look at all of Cronenberg's films, you see that sex is by far the most important thing to him. So why do I connect so much with his films? He is incredibly clinical about sex. And since I don't much understand human sexuality, it works for me. For example, there is Crash (1996). That's about people getting sexual gratification from car crashes. And it makes as much sense to me as 9½ Weeks (1986). (Except that Crash is a fantastic film!)
Dead Ringers is the kind of film that space aliens would make about human sexuality. It's a wildlife documentary for curious aliens! But in many ways, it is more normal than most of Cronenberg's sex films. See, for example, Crimes of the Future (2022). (This is not his 1970 film with the same name. That too is a disturbing film about sex. It's just very different.)
If you want to see Irons playing a twin, I recommend him in Beckett's Ohio Impromptu. It's beautiful. Also heartbreaking.
Anyway, I think Dead Ringers is a great film. But I feel no desire to watch it again. I don't think it is the best film to start with. Despite the exploding head, I recommend Scanners (1981). It's a more traditional film with a clear plot and structure.
I don't have a lot to say about Dead Ringers. I found it more sad than disturbing. But this is usually the case with Cronenberg. Characters are usually unable to get the one thing they need to survive in this world. Maybe that's why I like him!
As for the other films, I am also not much of a fan of A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. They are good films. I just don't connect. Cosmopolis presents two useless acts. But that final act with Paul Giamatti is amazing! As for Map of the Stars, well, more sex -- incest this time. Pretty boring to be honest.
On a side note, when I was in Chicago a few years back, I visited the surgery museum there. Now that is a horror show! I'm sure Cronenberg would love it!
I agree with the titles designer here who needed to leave the torture implements exhibit. I think I would, too. But it's certainly interesting stuff.
I think what I liked about this one is it went from "disturbing" to "sad." The way it took the really sh**y Irons character -- the one who was the master seducer -- and made him someone who really cared about his brother. And then they both win the lottery and fly to Vegas forever!
I did not expect to remotely give a s**t about that guy, and then I did.
But I will watch more of the older blood-spurty ones!
I forgot to mention Howard Shore! I think his scores are a huge reason Cronenberg's films work so well. He's probably my favorite film composer. He's amazing!
If you look at all of Cronenberg's films, you see that sex is by far the most important thing to him. So why do I connect so much with his films? He is incredibly clinical about sex. And since I don't much understand human sexuality, it works for me. For example, there is Crash (1996). That's about people getting sexual gratification from car crashes. And it makes as much sense to me as 9½ Weeks (1986). (Except that Crash is a fantastic film!)
Dead Ringers is the kind of film that space aliens would make about human sexuality. It's a wildlife documentary for curious aliens! But in many ways, it is more normal than most of Cronenberg's sex films. See, for example, Crimes of the Future (2022). (This is not his 1970 film with the same name. That too is a disturbing film about sex. It's just very different.)
If you want to see Irons playing a twin, I recommend him in Beckett's Ohio Impromptu. It's beautiful. Also heartbreaking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltOJZUQTbes
Anyway, I think Dead Ringers is a great film. But I feel no desire to watch it again. I don't think it is the best film to start with. Despite the exploding head, I recommend Scanners (1981). It's a more traditional film with a clear plot and structure.
I don't have a lot to say about Dead Ringers. I found it more sad than disturbing. But this is usually the case with Cronenberg. Characters are usually unable to get the one thing they need to survive in this world. Maybe that's why I like him!
As for the other films, I am also not much of a fan of A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. They are good films. I just don't connect. Cosmopolis presents two useless acts. But that final act with Paul Giamatti is amazing! As for Map of the Stars, well, more sex -- incest this time. Pretty boring to be honest.
On a side note, when I was in Chicago a few years back, I visited the surgery museum there. Now that is a horror show! I'm sure Cronenberg would love it!
I agree with the titles designer here who needed to leave the torture implements exhibit. I think I would, too. But it's certainly interesting stuff.
I think what I liked about this one is it went from "disturbing" to "sad." The way it took the really sh**y Irons character -- the one who was the master seducer -- and made him someone who really cared about his brother. And then they both win the lottery and fly to Vegas forever!
I did not expect to remotely give a s**t about that guy, and then I did.
But I will watch more of the older blood-spurty ones!
I forgot to mention Howard Shore! I think his scores are a huge reason Cronenberg's films work so well. He's probably my favorite film composer. He's amazing!
He's right up there with the best. I was stunned by how good this score is (you know how much I hate most movie music!)