This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry is a double-bill consisting of two films within the body horror subgenre.
The Fly (1986)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins introduction to controversial Canadian master filmmaker David Cronenberg’s 1986 genuine sci-fi/horror classic The Fly. Readers can also read Cousins intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was June 22, 1997 (read here). I agree with everything that Cousins has stated about this one. Along with 1982’s The Thing, director David Cronenberg’s 1986 version of The Fly ranks as one of the greatest cinematic remakes of the 1980’s. Whereas Kurt Neumann’s 1958 original was entertaining, Cronenberg’s version easily surpasses the earlier film in every single area. As usual, Cronenberg takes the script (which he co-wrote with Charles Edward Pogue) and uses it to typically explore all sorts of metaphors that connects with him on a personal level – whether it be within or out of the body horror genre. Last, but not least, we get a magnificent performance from Jeff Goldblum and Chris Walas jaw-dropping Oscar-winning make-up effects. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite David Cronenberg films (read here).
Here is a youtube video link to Mark Cousins Moviedrome intro to The Fly
Here is another youtube video link to Mark Cousins Moviedrome intro to The Fly
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
Society (1989)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins introduction to director Brian Yuzna’s 1989 cult body-horror satire Society. Readers can also read Cousins intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was June 22, 1997 (read here). Once again, I am in complete agreement with Cousins on this one. On the surface and at it’s center, Society is a delightfully gory treat doubling as a biting social commentary on the upper class.
Here is a youtube video link to Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins intro to Society
Here is another youtube video link to Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins intro to Society
Here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode’s commentary on Society as his BFI Player choice of the week
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
cinematiccoffee 
I love the original The Fly and I consider Cronenberg’s version to be a near-masterpiece. Society sounds like a film I need to search out. Body horror visited upon the upper-class…intriguing.
I thought the remake of The Fly far exceeded the original, and that is unusual for me. Society is a nightmare vision indeed, but I enjoyed it a lot.
Best wishes,,Pete.
The little human face in the fly in the original and the tiny voice saying, “Help me,” has never left me. Enjoyed the remake immensely (especially because I love Jeff Goldblum) lol.
Had to look up the other one, Society. Yep, sounds about right to me, haha. That could be fun.
The original had some good stuff, but in the end, David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake far surpasses it because he really treats the material in an emotional and personal way. If you have seen this great filmmaker’s other work, I think you will know what I mean 🙂 I am a huge fan of Jeff Goldblum too 🙂 Speaking of which, did you know he had a small role in Wes Anderson’s 2014 period comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel? 🙂 I do not know If you saw it, but worth checking out If you did not 🙂
Also, do check out Society – If anything else, at the very least, it does deserve to be called a cult item 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I agree with you 100 percent on director David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of The Fly 🙂 The original was entertaining, but looks a little too silly nowadays, whereas Cronenberg elevates the material to personal and emotional heights. Not too surprising considering that we always expect this from the great aforementioned filmmaker 🙂 That is neat that you have not only heard of, but saw Society as well – what about those makeup effects – delightfully grotesque isn’t it? 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Pam, the 1958 original is good, but it pales in comparison and on it’s own to David Cronenberg’s sublime 1986 version. What makes it superior is that Cronenberg takes the material and turns it into something emotional and personal as I told others. Not surprising considering when one takes into account that Cronenberg is a master filmmaker 🙂 As for Society, please do check that out – it is worth a look at the very least 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Totally saw Jeff in Grand Budapest hotel, ’cause we see everything of Wes’s. Even though the “cute” factor might get to be a little much sometimes. Still love W.A. He’s an original if nothing else!