Directed by:
David CronenbergCinematography:
Mark IrwinComposer:
Howard ShoreCast:
Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz, Joy Boushel, Leslie Carlson, George Chuvalo, Michael Copeman, David CronenbergPlots(1)
Seth Brundle, a brilliant but eccentric scientist attempts to woo investigative journalist Veronica Quaife by offering her a scoop on his latest research in the field of matter transportation, which against all the expectations of the scientific establishment have proved successful. Up to a point. Brundle thinks he has ironed out the last problem when he successfully transports a living creature, but when he attempts to teleport himself a fly enters one of the transmission booths, and Brundle finds he is a changed man. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (6)
The most famous horror film metamorphosis. When teleportation is invented, it will be to it what Jaws was for swimming in the sea.
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A very unusual variation on the theme of a failed science experiment. The use of the personal breakdown of a person, both mentally and physically, offers a great opportunity, especially for acting artistry. Jeff Goldblum is convincing both early on, when he plays a scientist passionate about his life's work, and later on, when the makeup team does an amazing job with him to the last detail. The typical nervous tics associated with the unmistakable gaze of his black eyes create an impressive acting portrayal. On the other hand, it must also be acknowledged that Geena Davis has never been an exceptional actress, but surprisingly, she delivers more than we were used to seeing from her, which is pleasing. But as a whole, The Fly is quite off. Although it is intellectually impressive and profound - sacrificing everything to achieve personal goals, the script is too shapeless, and overall, there is not a single proper twist in it. Cronenberg, despite being a director who "zooms in" with the camera where others would use editing, somehow failed to properly blend personal drama with horror. In other words, what emotions was that creature supposed to evoke, exactly? Although I have to admit that his cameo in the delivery room had something to it and my stomach protested at times.
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Today, it all looks kind of childish and too latex-like, but Goldblum's performance is suggestive and some moments are truly disgusting (digestion of food)... it gives me the impression of the conservative horror mess of the 80s - for example, compared to Carpenter's The Thing, it lacks invention and a stronger atmosphere. A truly antiquarian affair that amuses rather than makes one tense...
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The fear and horror is not immediately present in the film, but it gradually escalates until the grand and, it must be said, quite brutal finale, which is probably the best part. The screenwriters wrote a simple, typical textbook, linear script, but paid attention to the details, and they wrote the main character well: a diligent scientist whose behavior, appearance, and psyche gradually change. Additionally, the film is presented in a way that can be understood by the average viewer, without unnecessary scientific jargon.
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Well deserved cult status and a must for all horror fans. Cronenberg plays with every detail and thanks to his precise direction we don't just watch the protagonist as a central chess piece in a hopeless position, but we are him and we feel his gradual transformation into a hideous monster on our own flesh. The more resilient viewers will probably be left with a chill down their spines, while the less able-bodied may even get a slight bucketful at the sight of a peeling and drooling Jeff Goldblum. Either way, The Fly is a memorable experience – not for everyone perhaps, but an experience nonetheless :) 85%
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The film doesn't have a happy ending and it can't have one. What The Fly shows us at the end is truly disgusting. Even though it seems that in some moments Cronenberg favors subtlety, he then throws such naturalism at us that it can make one's stomach churn. It's just as well. That's the way it's supposed to be. If you get bitten by a radioactive spider, you probably won't become Spider-Man, you'll just die. If you accidentally teleport with a fly, don't expect to be lucky enough to get the superpower to fly either. The finale of this film beautifully shows us how far transformation can go. It’s nothing nice, that’s for sure.
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