Review of Scanners (1981) by Richard B — 30 Oct 2010

Review.

Now this is a good director who leaves his trademark (machinery of evil and horror from within) which adds to the film unlike Possession earlier. Scanners is still a great film but has aged a little and sometimes the dialogue is a little wooden but in all fairness to Cronenberg and according to Wikipedia.

"Because of the oddities of Canada's film financing structures at the time, it was necessary to begin shooting with only two weeks' pre-production work, before the screenplay had been completed, with Cronenberg writing the script between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. each morning throughout shooting.".

So taking that on board I can see why the dialogue can at times feel a bit rusty. But that really is the only negatives with Scanners unless you hate or find some of Cronenberg's graphic approach too disturbing, esspecially the end which I won't ruin if you haven't seen it. I don't mind gore/violence in films as long as it's used to further the film in story or character.

Final word.

Classic film and is worth a watch.