The Fly (1986)

The Fly...1986...96 minutes...rated R...starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, and John Getz...written by Charles Edward Pogue and David Cronenberg, based off the short story by George Langelaan...directed by David Cronenberg

Seth Brundle has something to show the world, and he hopes that his growing relationship with journalist Veronica Quaife will help him spread the news of his discovery. Seth has discovered the secret of teleporting matter, and while the scientific community in general and Veronica's editor and past ex-, Stathis Borans, tend to think of him as a quack, he's sure he's correct. So certain that he himself is the guinea pig for human transportation. Too bad Seth didn't work in a secure, sanitary environment...otherwise that fly wouldn't have entered the telepod with him. Nothing bad could come from that, right?

I remember when I first saw this film many, many years ago that I thought it was one of the grossest films ever made. Well, sitting here in 2011, I still think this movie is decidedly gruesome, but I give it credit for being gross along the lines that it set up in its premise, and while it's shocking, it does progress inexorably down the path that we know it's going to go. Also, having seen other Cronenberg films, the effects are in some ways toned down and kept controlled. Is it still disturbing? I believe so, but it's a focused sort of disturbance.

Of course, what makes the film more disturbing is that unlike many films ("The Devil's Tomb" being a primary example) I did feel invested in the character of Seth Brundle. So watching him go into his metamorphosis both repels me and makes me feel sorry for him. This is a brilliant man paying the price for his recklessness, but he's not a villain...just someone who has an overriding need to prove himself. It's what he becomes that is monstrous, but is also tragic. Of course, Goldblum's performance is played against well by Geena Davis, through whose eyes we come to see our protagonist.

So definitely check this film out for its writing, and even its effects, which may be dated but are still quite striking. If for nothing else, watch it for that tightness...allowed to be excessive only in places that would follow its setup. Or just watch it for the goo; there's plenty.

I give this movie 3.5 Brundlefly instructional eating videos out of 5.