Drink deep, or taste not, the plasma spring!

Shooting forth through the vortex for another big hit of pure 80's right to the veins, it's 1986!  The world is partying all the time with Eddie Murphy, Conner McLeod has become the only One, and Ferris Beuller is taking a day off.  But deep in the hearts of movie theatres and picture houses across the land a film has emerged to teach us to Be afraid, Be very afraid.

After a brief hiatus from the silver screen and an aborted attempt to create what would become the Arnie fuelled sci-fi smash hit Total Recall (1990) body horror legend David Cronenberg has emerged from his twisted dimension to make your flesh crawl once more with The Fly.

David Cronenberg has always been a favourite director of mine since my mind was melted for the very first time watching Videodrome (1983). His out of this world style and obsession with blurring the lines between man and machine is one that provides a truly visceral experience for any film-goer. Not to mention the sheer thrill of watching how his stories warp and twist the idea of self identity through the manipulation of the body, attracting and repulsing all at once.  With an art style that emulates and encapsulates the writing prose of William S. Burroughs it's no small wonder it's one that's been reference wildly in popular culture, from 90's sitcom The Simpsons in Treehouse of Horror VIII, to Rick and Morty (2014) and their Cronenberg world.

Going in I wasn't sure what to expect from The Fly, as apart from the general knowledge of science experiment goes wrong I had no real prep as to what I'd be experiencing, but wow was I amazed by what I saw. Not only is star Jeff Goldblum in top form as the overly enthused yet slightly off beat scientist, a role he'd later revise when starring in Jurassic Park less than a decade later. He has fantastic chemistry with co-star Geena Davis with the two really making you believe that this twisted romance between mad genius and intrepid reporter is one of true romance, despite the horrific events that unfold. It certainly helps the film that the two leads were dating at the time and so could bring their natural attraction into the roles.

Geena Davis also holds her own with a powerful performance as a self made woman torn between intellectual curiosity, true love, and sheer horror. As Veronica Quaife, journalist for particle magazine she fights hard for herself and her stories, she stands up to harrassment and put's her ex boyfriend (and boss) in his place with a kickass line asserting her rights as a free woman and as an individual.  Which ultimately only makes her final confrontation with Seth (Jeff Goldblum) all the more heartbreaking, as she is not only put in a position of power over how the tale ends. But through choosing to be free of the man she loved she must also give up the story of her career.

At a time where the future seemed like a far off place where genetic splicing and bio-mechanics would be an everyday occurance, Cronenberg explores some wonderful concepts of science and philosophy within The Fly. Reflecting on ideas of how the mental self can go through a metamorphosis as the physical self does, and what that means to the person experiencing it. Whether it's succumbing to a disease and the changing limitations that imposes or the development of a fetus and the living sensory knowledge of being simultaneously two life forms and one. His exploration of these themes through the deterioration of Seth and the characters own fascination of scientifically exploring his own crisis as he transitions from identifying as Seth Brundle to BrundleFly is something that really fascinates and makes this movie shine. 

With a superb cast of three and some award winner creature and make effects, Cronenberg's take on 1958's The Fly starring Vincent Price is one hell of a trip. If you like your creatures gory, your science fantastical, and your Jeff Goldblum naked. Then The Fly a must!