The Sanctuary

This is an article entitled 'Why I love', kindly given to me by Jonno who is the editor for The Sanctuary Newspaper

I really have a love for the gorey horror films and a bit of a problem with Jeff Goldblum so here is my attempt at encapsulating this.

Why I Love...

David Cronenberg

Gore, sex, comedy - these three criteria tend to be what dictates my enjoyment of the cinema experience. One could say these focal points inhibit any ability to find depth or inspire lengthy discussions on skill and how the film ‘really gets me’; but, in fact horror, sex and laughter tends to be what people like ‘us’ revel in and discuss in day to day life, in my opinion Cronenberg’s work really does ‘get’ the audience. His work stems from the early 80’s obsession with the body (all that lyrcra..) a prominent topic in today’s society, a glance at the cover of Heat magazine is to pick up at least 12 things that are wrong with you. Cronenberg can merge the psychological trauma of humanity with the physical and often traumatic development of a body; he literally turns the inside out. His ability to play on the social consciousness and heighten awareness of our downfalls without a didactic conclusion is something few have managed. The term internal apocalypse is thrown around in critical discussion of his backlog of films, I believe most people have experienced this flailing, crying desperation and Cronenberg’s motifs and topics of discussion are applicable to those who have ever felt a bit lost whilst entering the rabbit hole.

Cronenberg has now delved into the world of serious Hollywood with works such as A History of Violence or Eastern Promises, but my passions will always lie with the low budget, enthralling experiments such as Shivers, Videodrome or the masterpiece that is The Fly. Passion here is operative word, Cronenberg is someone engrossed with every aspect of his films, to the point of making cameo appearances in his own works and various others, writing, directing, cinematographing, the man has done it all. The Fly is a flawless example of science fiction, harkening back to the old 1950’s B Movies, he loves his clichés of mad doctors, pretty girls running around, huge monsters and the element of nostalgia highlights Cronenberg’s fervour, his love for cinema is engrained in every shot, every drip of blood and every shred of dialogue. Not only are the films entertaining, but they have something to say, a commentary on how wrong our world can go and how distorted, perverted or lost humanity can become.

To watch Cronenberg’s films is to become submerged in the most bizarre things you could ever want (or, more likely never want) to see on film. The cinema is his playground, workplace and his experimental lab. I urge you cinephiles to look back and embrace the surreal and wonderful world of Cronenberg