Review
A television programmer attempts to signal into a mysterious broadcast of people being tortured and possibly murdered for entertainment. Considering this could be the future of television, Max Renn pursues the source of the broadcast slowly being brought through a series of techno-hallucinations. The film quickly escalates further and further from its original tone, eventually devolving into such a uniquely fascinating take of insanity and 80’s aesthetic horror. Director David Cronenberg has created a fair amount of bizarre films in his long run as a director, but Videodrome is Cronenberg at his most merciless. You get the impression he has something to say, but it’s drowning in one disgustingly bizarre scenario after another.
Reason to Watch
Well, James Woods pulls a gun out of his own chest and goes on a murder spree. Oh, and he makes out with a tv. I think there’s a message there, but when the tv began going on a rampage, I sort of forgot thinking about it.
Context
Perfectly embodies a bizarre 80’s vibe through one of Canada’s most notoriously wicked directors, David Cronenberg.
Most Memorable Quote(s)
- Max Renn: I want you to stay away from them. Those mondo-weirdo video guys. You know, in some countries, like Argentina, making subversive video is considered a criminal act. They execute people for it. In Pittsburgh… WHO KNOWS?
- Nicki Brand: I live in a highly excited state of overstimulation
What You Need to Get Through This Movie
It’s not necessarily SUPPOSED to make sense, and don’t assume everything you see is a halluncination, because that gives the film one of those “it was all just a dream” vibes, and that’s awful and lame.
Trivia
Videodrome is one of the most sampled sources in history, apparently especially among heavy metal musicians. I guess metalheads like cheesy 80’s special effects and flesh eating organisms. Makes sense to me.
Educational Content
If you are in need of a weapon to be attached to your arm to kill a distasteful tv personality, tear your own chest open.
Justification for Rating
Though Videodrome is undoubtedly silly and entirely over-the-top, there is some intriguing substance here for those who want to dive beneath the surface of the overtly bizarre.
Recent Comments