Review of Naked Lunch (1991) by Fraser-Jay M — 22 Jul 2014

Here we have the film based off of Burroughs' classic "unfilmable" novel, which I haven't read. Weller gives a great and memorable performance that's darkly satirical in nature. The mood and atmosphere is straight up Cronenberg, and that's a compliment.

However, the content is where the film falters. It feels like an experiment in the weird more than anything else. I understand what the weird images, sounds, and words all mean in terms of the story, but the story itself isn't fleshed or melded well enough for a coherent film to be produced.

I can't connect with the story or characters because it's simply too cold and out-there to really connect with. This is a project too big for Cronenberg. So this sounds like I hated it. I didn't.

I appreciate what Cronenberg tried to achieve; that he tried to make a story out of non-linear vignettes. For the most part, I can see what he's trying to do, but in the end, it's just too thinly realized to be truly remarkable.

It's an interesting experiment, and I appreciate it for that. I'd love to read the novel.