Movie Title: The Fly
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Horror
Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: Charles Edward Pogue, David Cronenberg
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz
Review: When scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) completes his teleportation device, he decides to test its abilities on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a housefly slips in during the process, leading to a merger of man and insect. Initially, Brundle appears to have undergone a successful teleportation, but the fly's cells begin to take over his body. As he becomes increasingly fly-like, Brundle's girlfriend (Geena Davis) is horrified as the person she once loved deteriorates into a monster. The Fly benefits from a great story, and fantastic performances by Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. David Cronenburg does an unbelievable job in crafting a story that is both entertaining and captivating, while encouraging the viewer to develop a sense of sympathy towards the monster that he creates. The special effects in this film are over-the-top in a good and a bad way. The makeup work done to Goldblum is truly spectacular and it comes as no surprise that Chris Walas won an Oscar for Best Makeup for this movie. However, I think it's worth mentioning that some of the effects are gruesome and gross. I've never had a problem with gory, violent movies, but I think some of the shock value here stems from the repulsiveness of the monster. If you can get past some of the more distracting transformations that Goldblum's character inevitably endures, you will find a brilliant, heartbreaking story that is well worth the watch. Be afraid. Be very afraid!
Fun Fact: After watching some of his early films, director Martin Scorsese asked to meet David Cronenberg. Upon meeting him, Scorsese said he looked like a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. This inspired Cronenberg to give himself a cameo as a doctor.