Videodrome

VIDEODROME is a film that centers itself around our obsession with television. By use of the videotape, box tv, and topical censorship issues, one could easily imagine a film like VIDEODROME being outdated. Videodrome itself is a tv signal sent out from Pittsburgh. It contains 'shows' which exhibit extremely realistic torture porn, bloody sex, and sadomasochism. Intrigued by videodrome is the President of a controversial station: one that shows soft-core porn and open (staged) exhibitions of violence. His name is Max (James Woods), a sleazy but controlled supporter of this kind of entertainment. Appearing on talk shows with odd characters whose beliefs are contrary to his own, Max's charisma allows him to coast cleanly on the staple of his self-control. Two of these odd tv personalities are 1) Dr. O'Blivion (a man who refuses to appear unless he's on a television (even on television)) and 2) Nicki Brand (Deborah Harry aka Blondie). Max starts up a relationship with Nicki, who appears to like sex when needles are involved. This is a sexy obsession for Max, who is intrigued by the underbelly of what his station exhibits / symbolizes. After discovering videodrome, however, he begins to have odd hallucinations, and is dragged slowly into the world of the creators of videodrome. This is no obsession with videotape or tv, however, it is an obsession with the medium: the act of appearing on television: the act of appearing to be important. Director David Cronenberg's film is much like his later film, eXistenZ, or even the great CRASH. VIDEODROME is about the obsessions these people have with a certain medium and how it affects the rest of their lives. Sex with needles, appearing only on televison, etc. Modern.
Videodrome: ★★★