David Cronenberg...Finally

I was never partial to David Cronenberg. I loved THE FLY, in fact, I think it is a classic that holds up considerably well - especially the ending, which still packs an emotional wallop. Aside from it, however, I never took to his films. I thought VIDEOROME could have been much better than it was - a pastiche of very cool ideas and gross effects. SCANNERS is merely ok. For some reason, the movie misses out on all of the huge potential that it has. CRASH truly feels like a porno. Its an uncomfortable movie, it plays uncomfortably - yes, I realize that is its point, but it's not particularly enjoyable on any level (except as a porno). Sure, THE FLY is uncomfortable too, as it plays as an AIDS parable, but it has many cool sci-fi elements that endear it to fans of the life and it also has two compelling characters strongly played by Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum in particular delivers a great performance, one that would be listed on an All-Time Most Under-Appreciated List, were one to be composed. Perhaps I will do that next week.

Aside from THE FLY, I didn't like much about his movies, that is, until, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE hit the screens. I love that movie. I strongly considered it the best film of that year - by far. Viggo Mortensen was fantastic. Marion Bello was amazing and snubbed at the Oscars. But, it was William Hurt, armed with 10 minutes of screen time, who absolutley dominated the film. He was incredible: funny, charming, and creepy. He invests every line with a certain kind of zest that you just don't see as often in acting anymore. It's a real pro's performance. Don't get me wrong, though, the star of that flick was Cronenberg. He was incredibly subdued in his directing - really letting the story and acting play out, while subtly mocking the perverse fascination with grotesque violence - and the suggestion that some problems can only be solved via violent, decisive action.

Now, he is coming back with EASTERN PROMISES and the film's trailer looks completely awesome. Viggo plays a Russian mobster. Naomi Watts plays a midwife. The flick looks like a continuation of the world Cronenberg created in A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, just a little less Capraesque. Its a noir and that's a genre that Cronenberg must love because all of his films are variations of it.

So, the whole point here is to tell everyone that Cronenberg is going to be here in NYC, presenting his new flick, and doing a Q&A with the audience. I cannot tell you how amazing I think this will be and I intend on sitting front row. I can guarantee a review of the movie next week, probably thursday or friday.

Rumor has it that Mortensen has a 10-minute fight scene in a bathhouse that is supposedly one of the most brutal fights ever committed to film. I'm pumped here because Cronenberg seems to have entered into that point of his career where he has found a pronounced style to work with and within, a la the Eastwood of late. I'm hoping he and his muse, Mortensen, continue this trend.