Videodrome

8 April 2019

Videodrome 1983

• Director: David Cronenberg  
• Based on the novel: no
• Cast: James Woods, Debbie Harry, Sonja Smits, Peter Dvorsky, Les Carlson, Jack Creley, Lynn Gorman, Julie Khaner
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• James Woods – Riding in Cars with Boys, Virgin Suicides, Contact, Nixon
• Debbie Harry – My Life without Me, Copland, Hairspray
• Why? Debbie Harry, sci fi
• Seen: 7 April 2019      

       A few weeks ago, I happened upon a book at the library with the title (approximately) 100 sci fi films you must see. This was listed, Debbie Harry is in it, it was available on the net and here we sit.

       Max Renn (Woods) deals in pornography. He’s looking for something tough for his TV network. Nicky Brand (Harry) is a telephone distress centre advisor. They meet on a TV talk show dealing with the question of how harmful TV sex and violence is. They get together later, watch torture sex videos and have S/M sex together.

       OK, sleazy set-up. Then it gets weird. Is Max having hallucinations or are videos literally taking over his mind? Do videos create new outgrowths in our brains?

       Oh dear, lucky we’re watching a DVD.

       Why is this film in that book? Yes, yes, there are dangers and problems with new technology, but this is just silly. And unpleasant. To the point of yucky.

       If you like Debbie Harry don’t bother with this movie. Listen to your Blondie CDs instead. It does however get one star because she’s in it.     

1* of 5 (Hal gave it 3 for its weirdness)