The Next Reel Film Podcast Videodrome • The Next Reel
“Television is reality, and reality is less than television.”
There’s a film critic who called David Cronenberg ‘the thinking man’s genre filmmaker.’ If you look at the body horror films Cronenberg puts together, you will find that there is often a lot to unpack. They’re more artistic and have a lot more to chew on than most horror films. To that end, this reviewer’s comment about Cronenberg makes perfect sense. But does that mean what Cronenberg is trying to say with his films always makes sense? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Cronenberg series with his 1983 film Videodrome.
We talk about what this film has to say about the media, about portrayals of violence seen through it, our need to always be watching, and more. We look at where this film works and where elements start becoming more problematic for us. We chat about the incredible and horrifying effects of Rick Baker and his team. We look at the wonderful cast headed up by James Woods and Debbie Harry and how well they do to bring this story to life. And we imagine what people who grow up never having seen physical media will think of older films like this.
It’s a compelling and powerful story that has its share of problems but still works really well, even more so in today’s modern world. Check it out then tune in – The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.
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