Review of Videodrome (1983) by Michelle H — 09 Jul 2013

Another David Cronenberg masterpiece all about the hypnotic influence of television told in a very literal way. The character in this is hypnotized after watching a underground tv channel called videodrome, and begins to experience strange hallucinations and visions caused by videodromes hidden signal that affects his brain .

He becomes involved with a sadomasochistic woman who likes to burn herself with cigarettes and as his grip on reality slowly slips away, he becomes immersed in a dangerous game of manipulation and mind control.

This film has a lot to say about the profound influence of art and suggestion on the human psyche, and shows the dark side to entertainment in a very profound way. The film has a lot of very strange and disturbing special effects, one of which shows the main character caressing the television set as it moans and undulates.

Its message is as significant now as it was then, and for its time, it was very shocking with its images of torture and pornography bombarding and possessing the human senses. As with all Cronenbergs movies, it ends with a question rather than an answer.

A movie designed to disturb us and make us think! A true work of art that must be seen to be believed!