Review of Naked Lunch (1991) by Will E — 29 Apr 2012

I hadn't seen this in years until I picked up the stellar 2-disc DVD. Glad to say it still holds up, I think. David Cronenberg's adaptation of William Burroughs' 1959 Beat "novel" is a strange and unique movie, thought by many to be an interesting failure, but more likely successful in a way we can't quite grasp--yet.

Stellar performances from Peter Weller, Judy Davis (in a dual role as doomed muse), Ian Holm, Julian Sands and Roy Scheider. Writing as addiction, imagination as curse, drugs as freedom to create, fear of identity--how much does the subconscious mind rule all our lives? Lots of goopy FX but with a bone-dry sense of humor.

Terrific score from Howard Shore and saxophonist Ornette Coleman. Watch on a double bill with the Coen Bros' BARTON FINK and exterminate all rational thought.