Day 20: Videodrome

Videodrome is one of the strangest films I've ever seen. So strange in fact, that I'm having trouble finding the words to review it. I'm not entirely sure what I just watched. Who was the real antagonist? What was real? What does it mean? Expect these questions to linger with you long after the credits  start scrolling up the screen.

Max Renn (James Woods) is the CEO of a small local television station that apparently airs nothing but softcore porn and extreme violence. Renn wants something more cutting edge for his audience. One of his employees introduces him to Videodrome, a show produced in Pittsburgh that depicts extremely violent torture and death with absolutely no plot. After watching Videodrome Max begins having increasingly violent hallucinations. As he tries to uncover the mystery of Videodrome he falls deeper and deeper into a scheme hatched by it's creators.

To call the plot of Videodrome convoluted would be a massive understatement. I'm not even 100% sure what Videodrome actually is! One second, its a show. Next thing you know, it's a collection of tapes. It's never clearly defined and the more we learn about it the more confusing it gets. The only thing I know for certain is that you don't want to watch it or your brain will get all sorts of fucked up.

James Woods and the rest of the cast do an outstanding job. The film has a very grim tone and the actors really contribute to that. Each character is presented as very serious. Nobody is really cracking any jokes or one liners here. Woods expertly transforms Renn from a man apparently numb to the sex and violence he promotes to a man on the brink of insanity when confronted with those same images in his own mind.

The special effects are the true highlight of Videodrome. Rick Baker (An American Werewolf In London) handles the effects and really shows off his talent. There are a wide array of effects to be seen here. We aren't just dealing with awesome gore, but we're also seeing objects bend and move in ways they shouldn't, and body parts transforming. It really is a special effects showcase and any aspiring practical effects artist should give this one a look.

Videodrome  isn't David Cronenberg's best entry into the Body Horror genre. He would really come into form 3 years later for the remake of The Fly. But as confusing as Videodrome is, it has an art house sort of appeal. As a fan of David Lynch films I have a really hard time hating on a film just for making my head hurt a little bit. Videodrome has great special effects and great performances from it's cast. Check it out.

Body Count:5

Side Note: I'm still not sure who the fuck is supposed to be the antagonist! Everybody just seems so damn cold blooded.