Review of Dead Ringers (1988) by Michael W — 28 Apr 2011
A bizarre psychological thriller, but not one of Cronenberg's more powerful statements.
The real value of this film is the dual role for Jeremy Irons as the obsessive and self-destructive Mantel Twins. These twins are very much different characters and Irons masterfully portrays both seemingly simultaneously.
Beyond simple split-screen techniques, Cronenberg (following the lead of director Robert Zemechis with his work in "Back To The Future Part II") experiments with computerized motion-control camera work that would come to be perfected two decades later in "The Social Network".
The story is spooky, eerie, kinda gross at times, and never less than serious, but the subject matter seems to fall a bit flat, resonating little in any kind of metaphorical way or in it's desire to express any greater truth about men, women or humanity at large.
This review of Dead Ringers (1988) was written by Michael W on 28 Apr 2011.
Dead Ringers has generally received positive reviews.
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