Review of eXistenZ (1999) by Courtney S — 28 Nov 2008

Looking at the reviews, it seems you either love this movie or think it's crap (if only because it doesn't live up to what Cronenberg is capable of). I found this film intense and strange and because, perhaps, it was "badly paced" I couldn't predict what was going to happen.

The bio-technology idea is pretty amazing and not surprising given Cronenberg's career-long obsession with the horrific body. Oh Don McKellar, how I adore you and all your talent and Canadian-ness.

I think it's easier to dismiss if you disregard it's historical place and judge it alongside movies made since then. And NO other futuristic film questioning the nature of reality and virtual reality integrates our bodies into it.

It's truly unique. Canadians! They may be "our retarded cousins to the North," but they make good movies, especially because they, like the UK and Germany and Japan don't get the unique privilege of being the worst imperial power, even though they do nearly as much and get most of the rewards without risking their image much.