Videodrome is one of the most unusual and satisfying movies I have ever seen. Written and directed by David Cronenberg (The Fly, Naked Lunch, A History of Violence) it’s a sci-fi horror trip. You have to accept it for what it is: Cronenberg’s crazy fantasies and musings turned what could now be considered a contemporary art film. The special effects and visuals are way ahead of their time and the essential eighties horror synth music just adds to the mood. It’s so eighties in the best way, lots of shots of people on television made me miss the old MTV and Max Headroom.
James “mayor of creepy town” Woods plays Max Renn, a scumbag television producer looking for an edgy new program to add to the lineup. He stumbles upon a fuzzy feed showing torture and murder called “Videodrome”. It’s just what he needs to boost ratings! (sweeps!) But what is Videodrome? who’s is behind it? Is it real or a highly produced hoax? Max gets in too deep fast! It becomes a social commentary on television and it’s role in shaping our minds. Did I mention Debbie Harry is in it too?! So good.
“First it controls your mind, then it destroys your body”
