As with last week, this Moviedrome Monday entry consists of a double bill offering of two great films for the price of one. Only this time, the two featured films here are directed by the same person, who in this case, would be the legendary David Cronenberg. In addition, Dead Ringers and Rabid (this week’s titles) can also be labeled as just two of many classic examples of cinematic body horror, a sub-genre that Cronenberg popularized, If not invented (read here). If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite David Cronenberg films (read here).
Dead Ringers (1988)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to master Canadian auteur David Cronenberg’s 1988 psychological body horror/drama/thriller Dead Ringers. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was May 31, 1992 (read here). Though I disagree with Cox regarding the acting in Cronenberg’s then previous films (deliriously wooden), on a whole, I absolutely agree with him about everything that is positive about both the aforementioned filmmaker and Dead Ringers itself. Last, but not least, Jeremy Irons dual performance as twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle (loosely based on the real life Stewart and Cyril Marcus) is a tour de force.
Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Dead Ringers
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
Here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode’s commentary on Dead Ringers as his BFI Player choice of the week
Here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode implicitly arguing that Dead Ringers is director David Cronenberg’s crowning achievement
Rabid (1977)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to master Canadian auteur David Cronenberg’s 1977 body horror gem Rabid. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was June 1, 1992 (read here). While I do disagree with Cox regarding his thoughts on directors Dario Argento and Brian De Palma, I nod in agreement with all of the praise he lavishes on both Cronenberg and Rabid. Though I may not echo Cox’s sentiment of Rabid as Cronenberg’s best (he has surpassed himself numerous times since), it is undeniably every bit as masterful as his other films (body horror or otherwise).
Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Rabid. Cox’s introduction begins at the 4:05 mark on the video
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
cinematiccoffee 
I prefer Dead Ringers over Rabid, but Cronenberg can’t make a bad film, as far as I am concerned. My personal favourite of his is ‘Videodrome’, which still stuns me whenever I watch it.
Best wishes, Pete.
Dead Ringers was my introduction to Jeremy Irons and I have been a fan ever since and Rabid is another horror classic but I look at films at where the main character becomes a “monster” though no fault of their own,a tragedy as well. These are two very good films. I have the Rabid remake that I need to watch soon.
Interesting introduction from Alex Cox, as always. From hearing him talk about Dead Ringers and Motion Control I’d agree its “photographically remarkable” too.
Videodrome was indeed something else Pete 🙂 It now ranks as my number one favorite Cronenberg film 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Interestingly enough, when Jeremy Irons won Best Actor for Barbet Schroeder’s 1990’s Reversal of Fortune, one of the people he thanked was David Cronenberg, even though he was not the director of that particular film. One could say that it gave off the vibe that it was in Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers that skyrocketed Irons career as opposed to Reversal of Fortune. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
“Photographically remarkable” it most certainly is and If you saw the film, it is interesting to see red surgical robes as opposed to the blue ones that are common here in the States. I do not know what is the common color for a surgical robe in the UK for you, but here I know it is blue or greenish blue. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I like some Cronenberg, films. Like Michael, Dead Ringers was my introduction to Irons. It’s a good film. The Fly is probably my favorite Cronenberg film. I also like The Dead Zone, Eastern Promises and A History of Violence.
I think it is the same here John.
All of your choices are great Pam 🙂 A History of Violence is probably my second favorite Cronenberg film after Videodrome. Then again, I gave the link to my favorite films of his, so you knew that already 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂