Review of Rabid (1977) by J D — 10 Dec 2007

Ever since I read "Old Yeller" as a kid, I was horrified by the tale Bud Searcy told in the book about a guy who got the "hydrophoby" and chained himself to a tree so he wouldn't attack his family.

So I was looking forward to watching this one with a macabre fascination; facing my fears, if you will. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Overall, this was a basic variation on your typical zombie movie.

The rabies angle wasn't really explored. However, this is a David Cronenberg film, so it's still well done, and the nature of how Rose transmits the virus is. . .well. . .it's unique. As well as disturbing in a Cronenbergian sexually disturbing way.

Since watching this, I did a little reading up on Cronenberg's work and came across the term "venereal horror" to describe his style. That sums it up pretty nicely. Using a porn star as the carrier of a highly contagious disease that turns the infected into foaming, raging maniacs; if that ain't a metaphor, I don't know what is.

Not as good as I'd hoped, but still entertaining, with some amusing moments involving Santa, windshield wipers, and leather pants.