Review of Dead Ringers (1988) by Charlotte M — 21 Aug 2007

I know this is a controversial assertion, but Dead Ringers is the greatest movie of all time. Cronenberg's skillful technical realization of a complex concept and witty, knowing script make for a wonderfully multilayered movie about the tensions of love, sexuality and family; science, irrationality and madness.

But what exalts Dead Ringers, at least in my eyes, is Jeremy Irons', who gives two of his greatest performances, disturbed and disturbing, yet beautiful and emotive as the Mantle twins (for which he should have won both best actor and best supporting actor Oscars). Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay is that, even after multiple viewings, I still see him, on the screen, as two separate but intimately linked persons. Bujold also gives a brave, adult performance as the actress Claire Niveau.

One more thing needs to be mentioned is Howard Shore?s dark, affecting score.