Review of Dead Ringers (1988) by Alex H — 21 Aug 2009

Classic Cronenberg. The story is not as fanciful as some of his earlier work such as Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly, but Dead Ringers still manages tothave the look and feel of a Cronenberg film and on top of the dramatic aspect is completely nailed as well.

Its not for everyone. Some people find this sort of film disturbing and sickening, I also find it quite disturbing and sick in places but I also remain transfixed, hooked on the little details and flourishes that make Cronenberg such a unique director.

The film is about a pair of twins, who are gynecologists. They are apparantly inseperable, and have to share the same experiences as each other, including sleeping with the same women. The story is about their mental breakdown as one of them falls in love with a women and wants to break free from the strong psychological ties that he has with his twin.

Jeremy Irons, who plays the part of both twins, kicks ass in this movie. He manages to portray both twins in a way that it is easy to distinguish between the two of them by observing their character, not their apperence. Some of the acting by the other cast members isn't brilliant, but their parts are not really significant to affect enjoyment and break the sense of realism.

Watch it and be amazed. Then watch more of Cronenberg's films!