The Dead Zone (1983)

After last night, I wanted to watch something that was both older and entertaining. After some searching on my streaming services, I decided on the 1983 thriller The Dead Zone.

Plot/ Johnny Smith wakes from a coma due to a car accident, only to find he has lost five years of his life, and yet gained psychic powers. Foreseeing the future appears to be a gift at first, but ends up causing problems.

This movie often is overlooked when talking about David Cronenberg and his resume. Yet, this one may be one of his best films, albeit one that is nowhere close to being as graphic of some of his other films. Based on the novel by Stephen King, this one is definitely more of a thriller than straight horror film and it sits near the top of the King adaptations. Incredibly, this film holds up rather well considering its age and is a flick that is both atmospheric and enlightening. The performances are solid with Christopher Walken not only embracing his role, but also carrying the sadness of the part perfectly to add to the atmosphere. The entire cast works, the cinematography is outstanding, the soundtrack adds depth to the film, and the storyline is well constructed. Yes, there are some costuming elements that feel dated and the pacing is a touch slow, but for a thriller, neither of those do anything to damage the feel of the movie. In the end, I am not usually a fan of King adaptations, but this is a story that I loved when I read it, I loved the first time I saw the movie, and I still enjoy today. Plus, with it on Prime, it is a great movie to catch for free and feel a sense of dread.

Dead Ringers (1988)

After watching something with a mysterious numerology base last night, I wanted to find something a bit different. Since I did not feel like making a trip to the video store, I decided to search Shudder for something interesting. With no surprise, I found exactly what I was looking for, 1988s Dead Ringers.

Plot/ Twin gynecologists take full advantage of the fact that nobody can tell them apart, until their relationship begins to deteriorate over a woman.

Any time you watch a movie from David Cronenberg, you should be ready for something different than the normal. Cronenberg always makes movies that are both technically sound and thought provoking. That is definitely the case with this one, which could be considered one of his best. The storyline is tremendous; in fact, it never veers into the trademark gore but creates something that is extremely dark within the confines of a heavy atmosphere. The cast, cinematography, and script are cold and hard. However, it is the performances (especially Jeremy Irons) that make this film what it is-unsettling and chilling. Yes, it builds slowly and if you were searching for the gratuitous blood and gore of other Cronenberg classics, you would be disappointed, but that does not matter with this one. In the end, this one leaves a lasting impression and is possibly the best movie of its kind. If you have not seen it give it a shot, it has stood the test of time and is still relevant today.

Nightbreed (1990)

After suffering through a miserable low budget flick last night, I wanted something different tonight that could help make-up for yesterdays wasted time. After some debate with myself, I decided to venture into the mind of one of my favorites, Clive Barker, and his 1990 cult classic Nightbreed.

Plot/ A troubled young man is drawn to a mythical place called Midian where a variety of monsters are hiding from humanity.

I know this may sound off, especially being a huge fan of Clive Barker, But I had not ventured into the world of Nightbreed until tonight. What I found was something more than I could have imagined. Like some of Barker’s other worlds, this one was fascinating, with outstanding make-up and effects, beautiful sets and design, some solid performances (especially David Cronenberg), and a tremendously dark and heavy atmospheric tone. Yes, some of the characterizations were uneven and there were many non-linear aspects that the passive viewer may find overwhelming, but those did nothing to take away from the overall feel and message of the film. In the end, if you have not seen it, what are you waiting for? This is a dark and beautiful flick that must be seen. Of course, it is not for everyone, but if you are a horror fan like me, you should LOVE it.

Shivers (1975)

Over the past few days, I have watched a wide variety of stuff. Sometimes, I get in these moods, and cannot figure out exactly what I am in the mood for. This has definitely been one of those periods. Of course, it is likely the math, I hate math. One of the more interesting films I have watched over this period is the 1975 exploitation horror flick Shivers (AKA They Came From Within); the movie that in many ways created a cinematic legend.

Plot/ The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact.

Shivers was an interesting film with a fascinating mixture of sexual indulgence and zombielike overtones. Truly, it was a film that fit in the middle of the low budget exploitation movement of the time ad should be viewed as such. Amazingly, writer /director David Cronenberg knew little about the filmmaking profession, yet created a piece that demonstrated the skills (and thematic elements) that would make him a household name. The film is definitely uneven, with some so-so acting, incoherent moments, and low budget quality, but that does not matter when you immerse yourself into the storyline and remember that this movie predated the anti-sex craze and viral epidemics that plagued the world in the late 1970s to early 1980s. In the end, this early Cronenberg piece may not be perfect, but it is one of the more influential films in his catalog. Not for everyone, so be warned, but it is a movie that should be seen.

The Brood (1979)

After a couple days away from the blog, focusing on NFL Draft preps for Steelers 101, I decided to jump back into some classic horror on Friday. Of course, that did come after watching Hannibal (cannot miss that), as it is my favorite show on regular television (The Following a close second). My selection for the evening was the 1979 flick: The Brood.

Plot/ A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist's therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband's investigation.

David Cronenberg movies are always interesting and this one is quite possibly one of his best. The Sci-Fi / Psychological Horror combo has everything a horror fan needs to be satisfied. The storyline is interesting, soundtrack effective, the cinematography is tremendous, the acting convincing, and the atmosphere creates a dark and heavy realm. Yes, some of the costuming may make it feel dated, but honestly, that is part of the allure of the movie. In the end, this is a classic piece of 1970s horror cinema, and a movie that must be seen. If you have not watched this one, find it, and check it out.

Videodrome (1983)

With January in the books, it is hard to believe how fast that month went by. Of course, it does help when you are focused on a goal or an agenda. For me, it has been spreading the word about the Constitution and how no one has the right to walk on our greatest document. Unlike some people, I plan to stand against the tyranny and work to keep our liberties in tact. Tonight, I decided to venture back into a simpler part of my life, 1980s, with the David Cronenberg classic Videodrome.

Plot/ A sleazy cable-TV programmer begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a very unusual fashion when he acquires a new kind of programming for his station.

It had been a while since I had enjoyed this Cronenberg classic. This was one of the first surrealistic flicks that I watched as growing up in the 1980s, and I believe it is still one of the best of the genre. By all accounts, this is a great film, and one that has stood up to the test of time quite well. In fact, it may be quite relevant today. I understand that this is not truly about mind control, but, some of the horrors outlined in this flick are almost commonplace today. For some, the layered storyline may be confusing and turn them off, but as a fan of surrealism, this one is right on the money. The cinematography was awesome, the visual effects work, and the performances are solid, especially James Woods and Debbie Harry. More importantly, the storyline is amazing, featuring multi-layered journey into another realm. In the end, this one is definitely not for everyone, especially the close-minded. However, it is a true piece of cinematic history that must be seen.