Review of Videodrome (1983) by Jordan R — 29 Oct 2008

I have to start by saying Deborah Harry looks much better as a brunette than a Blondie! Yes, I made myself chuckle. It's interesting how many people say 'wtf?' when it comes to this film and then question Cronenberg hammering his point home. If you think 'wtf?' then presumably you haven't a clue what Cronenbergâ??s point is in the first place. Therefore, it would be disserving for the film to classify it as nothing more than Z-movie pulp destined for the bargain bin.

For me, Videodrome is way ahead of its time. The way Cronenberg depicts an all-powerful media that becomes the bodyâ??s retina on the world and therefore defines our world is so pertinent now â?? just look at our much-needed requirement of You Tube and internet film, instantaneous availability to re-watch or see shows we might have missed. Today, television is consumed on a level never before.

The film is more than just special-effects and violence. Indeed, the snuff movie depicted is never really seen. Videodrome is much more about one manâ??s obsession and the power of television than desensitizing us to violence.