Review of Rabid (1977) by Heather R — 16 Nov 2006

Early effort from Canadian auteur David Cronenberg, Rabid sets to work establishing 'The Baron Of Blood's' themes pretty much from the get-go as we follow a young, independent woman's motorway accident, to her experimental operation, to her loss of self and consumption by virus, to full-on epidemic. Cronenberg took a gamble on casting porn star Marilyn Chambers for the lead, and it pays off quite well, she delivers best as might be hoped. Cronenberg also takes the time for little black comedy here, in particular the workmen who turn their pneumatic drill on a car door in search of blood.

DC's direction is taught, and cold as ever, leaving us in a world with precious little pity for Chambers' female/male/vampire hybrid (Rose attacks unwillingly from a phallic protrusion in a vaginal/anal slit in her armpit). Unfortunately, Cronenberg's sense of momentum seems to disappear from the final few acts of the picture, making it feel at times like an absurd documentary. Still, definately worth your time, Rabid is a weaker work from the body horror master.