Videodrome (1983), David Cronenberg

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Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

I was excited originally that I recognized the director. However, I was highly disappointed with this film. It was very much similar to eXistenZ... except worse in a multitude of ways. This guy is obsessed with the effect of violence, sex, and gaming on the public, and it makes for a boring series of movies. It has numerous "wtf" moments in it, so go ahead and see it if you're bored, but I wouldn't have high hopes.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

A cable-TV programmer is known for showing pornographic and violent flicks. He soon comes across a series called "Videodrome," super-violent flicks with bits of nudity. He becomes obsessed with the series, and wishes to show it over his TV program, but "Videodrome" is more controlling than he could ever imagine.

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Max Renn (James Woods): The cable-TV programmer who wishes to get Videodrome on the air, and who seems to go crazy as the movie progresses.

Nicki Brand (Deborah Harry): Nicki meets Max on a TV show protesting his TV station. They end up hooking up, and Nicki's "wild side" is revealed as she sees "Videodrome" for the first time.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

"Videodrome" seems to control these people's minds, making them a little bit schizophrenic. They can't tell reality from the tapes. I don't know why, but I just had a very hard time believing anything or getting involved in the movie at all.

Weight:

0

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

The effects of "Videodrome" lead to many deaths, but... I didn't feel any emotional attachment to any of the characters, I nearly rooted the deaths on because that meant the end of the movie was coming on faster. I don't think Cronenberg did a very good job at all of getting his point across.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

For 1983, it was very well made visually. There were some pretty gruesome moments.