The Fly (1986) ♦Movie Reaction♦ First Time Watching!

For monthly polls, early access, extended ad-free videos, and watch-along versions*, check out my Patreon: / whimsory
As usual, I have a LOT to say about this one at the end. Please feel free to add to the discussion in the comments--I love to read them!
00:00 Intro
00:34 Reaction
22:42 Outro/Discussion
*must own/rent a copy of the film to sync up with me for watch-along format

[@Stogie2112]

"Why was I sad, though?" The Fly is one of the best tragic films. Seth Brundle was a good man who was doomed by happenstance and one simple mistake. Veronica was a good woman who didn't deserve such horror and suffering. We feel very much for both of them.

[@argentokaos2629]

"Seth Brundle was a good man who was doomed by happenstance and one simple mistake." Well--- he was a good man, and it was one simple mistake, but there's a lit-tle bit of jealousy (and hubris) in there. Just a bit. (But, naw, it ain't like he's Baron von Frankenstein. :D) To your point, that final shot is one of the all-time-great examples of: now *that's* how you end a horror movie. No big speeches, no reunions or where-are-they-nows or comic relief--- just: woman cries over assorted viscera. End of movie. Fade to black...

[@Stogie2112]

@@argentokaos2629 .... Indeed, what else is there to say after such a tragic, horrible end? Veronica has to find a way to forget it all and move on with her life.

[@blindlemonpledge2556]

I remember seeing this movie when it first came out, I'm feeling tremendously sorry for Seth

[@ninjakuni]

​@Stogie2112 pretty sure she died of childbirth in the sequel

[@chrismais]

There is a nicer ending (well you decide if it is ) in the sequel the Fly 2.

[@SandJosieph]

I love how Whimsory tends to break out into laughter/giggling when things get rough. It's like an adorable defense mechanism.

[@JeffB-SFJ]

This movie was in heavy rotation on HBO in 1987-88 when I was 11 years old. So, yes, kids did see it. We were scarred for life. And we LOVED it! 2023 has been a great year for 'The Fly' reactions and it never disappoints. Great job!

[@doughbafett]

Yep. That's me. I saw it probably in 1987. I was 10 at the time. And I cannot rewatch certain scenes in this along with the last 5 minutes.

[@desoliver9712]

Yeah I was 8.... in the UK it was big on VHS...terrifying, but I loved it.

[@Tr0nzoid]

I think this movie was on the cover of the HBO-Cinemax guide in the month it premiered in late 1987. That was when I saw it.

[@boboboy8189]

The Best Part when he riding her

[@walkerlocker6126]

Hell, even children's movies from the 80s could get pretty dark. Lookin' at you, Don Bluth 😂

[@CountryRoadist]

The Fly is a tragic love story masquerading as a science fiction horror. There are just 3 characters and at least 90% of the movie takes place in 1 room, so you could argue that is more like a theatrical play rather than a traditional movie. An absolute masterpiece and I believe Cronenburg's finest hour.

[@VictorLugosi]

Science fiction movies always have a love story or friendship.. are you a dunce?

[@CountryRoadist]

@@VictorLugosi What do your farts smell like?

[@tsogobauggi8721]

18:03 "I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man, and loved it. But now the dream is over." I like that line and Brundlefly's smile there.

[@sebastianemond5313]

It's a nervous smile kinda, 'cause Seth's aware he's far gone enough with his new insect nature, that like he said, he can't trust himself not to harm Veronica. He's holding out hope that his new experiment can fix him, but as a scientist, Seth's being realistic and trying to keep Veronica safe; at least until he discovers her pregnancy, of course.

[@tonyb7615]

Yeah. It's the comical line you'd expect a traditional mad scientist to say, but goldblum's delivery makes it much more realistic and down to earth. Maniacal, but hopeful and full of lament.

[@notjustforhackers4252]

Here in the UK there was a children's program called "Blue Peter", its was shown at "tea time" ( 5 pm ) after school. They had a whole program dedicated to the special practical effects in the film having the main full Fly puppet in the studio. Chris Walas was interviewed and he explained how it was all done. That was my first introduction to the film and my brother rented it on VHS the following year because I kept going on about it. I was 10 the first time I saw it.... and it was awesome. Us 80's kids where made of the right stuff you know 😁

[@CountryRoadist]

First 18 certificate movie I ever saw. I was about 10 years old I think. It has lived with me ever since. Even though I was aware it was a "scary" movie, such is the genius of the movie that even at that age, I understood there was a lot more depth to it than just gory SFX. A true masterpiece.

[@paulstelter8273]

I worked in a movie theater in the mid-80s and yeah a lot of people were not ready for it. 😄 If you consider that early-stage Brundlefly acts rather coked-up and that this was made in 1986, the film takes on a whole new meaning. Criminal that Goldblum didn't even get nominated for an Oscar.

[@KoolAidManOG]

Its genuinely one of the saddest movies I've ever seen. The real life horror is watching someone you love turn into someone you don't recognize because they're subject to Alzheimer's or cancer or any sort of degenerative disease. I feel that's what the movie is an allegory for. "I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it, but now that dream is over" rocks me to the core. I can watch all kinds of movies with no problem but The Fly, Come And See, and Grave Of The Fireflies are some of the few I can maybe watch once a decade, at best. I'm like you in that normally I can see gore and laugh at how crazy or morbidly humorous it is, but The Fly is just SAD.

[@SirHilaryManfat]

The Fly was made during the AIDS epidemic of the 80's, so I think it strongly implied an allegory towards that. Although like you said, it could relate to any kind of degenerative disease.

[@TTM9691]

One of the saddest movies you've ever seen? Haven't seen that many movies I guess! lol. Horror fans are so overhyperbolic. It's not a sad movie, it's "the saddes movie ever", lol.

[@KoolAidManOG]

@@TTM9691 Its up there with Come And See and Grave Of The Fireflies, absolutely. I'm not even a horror fan, its specific to this film. Easily Cronenberg's best, and his filmography is amazing.

[@TTM9691]

PS: The two movies that you cite crack me up. One is animation, lmfao. The other you're all excited you saw a foreign film. Wow, you picked a Holocaust movie that has had a resurgence in recent years....I'm real impressed, lol.

[@arachosia]

Totally agree. That line is one of the saddest I’ve ever heard. The Fly is one of my all time favorites, but it’s so dark and depressing that I find it hard to watch.

[@craigreipold3931]

I worked in a movie theater (GCC) in the summer of 1987, we ran special features to bring people in during the afternoon matinee when it was usually too nice out to see a movie. One special was a double feature of “The Fly” and “Aliens”… yes, parents brought their kids, we were different in the 80’s.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

We weren't wimps back Before The Fun Stopped.

[@segacat1]

Yes I remember seeing the double feature with my parents on a Saturday night. My mom was so grossed out by The Fly that we didn't stay for Aliens. I was a 14 year old kid at the time and wasn't grossed out or traumatized, but I was fascinated instead. Both movies are on my favorites list and I remember watching both on HBO the next summer. I still like to dig into my Classics and Keepers Movies folder on my laptop and rewatch both as a great double feature!

[@collegeman1988]

The Fly is one of the best remakes in movie history. The three lead actors, Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz really help sell this tragic horror movie.

[@boboboy8189]

If you not considered the thing as remake, technically its adapt from book but the book are thing got live action from 50's movie

[@ItsMe-cz1pi]

I was 15 when I saw this in the theatre. I am so happy my childhood happened when all the good movies came out.

[@MrSporkster]

One of the greatest body horror movies ever made.

[@ShoNuff3K]

Whimsory is the most adorable human I've ever seen on KZbin. Pre movie warnings was missing gore.

[@darensparks]

Whimsory and Cassie of popcorn in bed are both very lovable reactors who seem to be genuinely sweet people. Thus I really like watching both of them react.

[@benjauron5873]

Isn't she, though! I wish I could adopt her. I would completely spoil her!

[@ShoNuff3K]

​@@darensparksI watch Cassie & her sister. I crack up Everytime they describe something as tender. Must be a Canadian thing.

[@gutspraygore]

The original movie is actually pretty horrifying in it's own 50's way. This version is a genius interpretation. The two are so different, but they are both also the same. Cronenberg definitely loves his body horror and he certainly sunk his teeth into this one. It's like he can't help it. The passion shows.

[@RoosterCogburn1008]

Your commentary/analysis at the end is always the best! If you want another Cronenberg body horror movie, Videodrome (1983) is a must. It's very layered, with a lot of social commentary on human use of technology, and is definitely a movie that needs a rewatch or two to fully absorb. It'd be perfect for your channel!

[@sebastianemond5313]

Let's not forget The Brood, with Oliver Reed, about the lady who asexually reproduces children that murder when triggered psychically by her rage, or Shivers, with the parasitic STD that causes a sexual zombie epidemic. Also, one of my favorites, Scanners, with the psychic people who can splatter brains with their minds, or with their intense stares.

[@RoosterCogburn1008]

@@sebastianemond5313 I totally agree about The Brood, I think it's one of Cronenberg's more underappreciated movies. I haven't seen Shivers, but the plot as you describe sounds almost beat for beat the same as his follow up, Rabid. And honestly, I think Scanners is overrated. The very beginning and the very ending are great, but the whole middle of the movie is a lot more paint by number than I expect from this era of Cronenberg.

[@sebastianemond5313]

@RoosterCogburn1008 Have you seen the spin-off movies, Scanner Cop? I find those underrated and possibly more interesting than the main Scanner movies. I still need to see the sequel of Scanner Cop, but I recommend them. Also, while Rabid is more in the traditional zombie vein with its parasite infecting people, the Shivers zombie epidemic is more about the parasite turning people into giant hordes of sex crazed maniacs.

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

I knew you'd love The Fly! And, I knew you'd get the tragedy aspect. It is a heartbreaking film because we actually care about the characters. My friends and I saw this at the theater as teenagers and it not only blew our minds but it genuinely upset us on an emotional level. When it came to great horror movies that were also great films, the 80s were pretty amazing. Along with amazing practical effects of that period, and theaters having zero problem letting in a bunch of unaccompanied 13-year-old nerds - I feel so fortunate. :)

[@r.e.tucker3223]

"Why was I sad, though?" Perfect reaction.

[@SaltyLobster]

The Fly is easily in my top3 fav horror movies (up there with Alien and the Thing). I love how it combines and changes genre's, starts as sci-fi, moves to super-hero origin story before changing into fullblown bodyhorror and in the end it's a tragic love story whre the prince unwillingly changes into the beast. At the same time the creepy ex-boyfriend (who we all instantly disliked) redeems himself by turning into an unlikely saviour whos heroics did not leave him unscathed. I'm very glad you liked it too!

[@CheckersMcGavern]

It's such an interesting cautionary tale. Yes, there are lots of people who hate themselves and want to be someone else (myself included. I know, I know, I shouldn't. It's a constant battle). And towards the beginning of the transformation, it all seems incredibly positive. He's healthier, he's stronger, his shyness is gone... but it all starts going downhill. And it all snowballs so quickly... its very tragic.

[@brunocazzoni]

This film is a disturbing masterpiece, but it's exceptionally well-directed and produced. I watched this movie as a child and was quite frightened back then.

[@LordVolkov]

Be afraid Whimsory, be very afraid... 😉 Cronenberg is some of the best body horror out there. Scanners, Videodrome, and Naked Lunch are all weird in fantastic ways. He also adapts Steven King in The Dead Zone (with Christopher Walken), and made one of the most visceral and strange explorations of human trauma in Crash (1995).

[@paulstelter8273]

Also Dead Ringers (now a TV series, go figure...), which is up there with Fatal Attraction as the worst date movie.

[@LordVolkov]

@@paulstelter8273 I try to ease people into Dead Ringers. I love Jeremy Irons, but it's... a lot 😅

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

Appreciate all the effort you put into editing these, and taking the time to really give in-depth thoughts after! ❤

[@McPh1741]

Now imagine it’s 1987. Your 9 years old and you parents rented this for movie night. I watched a lot of horror movies back then as a kid, but this is the only one that grossed me out. It was a relief for me to see Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park because the image I had of him for years was as a fly.

[@Stogie2112]

Whimsory's Signature Move: Putting up the hands and saying "NO".... 👍👍

[@jarkkoperttila3957]

Geena Davis: We could take a holiday. You: Let´s teleport there. That was a great line for you. Made me smile :D

[@deepermind4884]

I thought that was brilliant that you applied JG's character's words from Jurassic Park to Seth Brundle! I'm so glad you loved this movie! ❤️

[@eval7952]

The Fly 2 is one of the best part 2s ever , in my opinion. It also has one of the saddest scenes in movie history, it will break your heart.

[@FireTiger941]

0:37 "Rated R for alcohol use and smoking??" Boy, we grew up in such graphic times watching Bugs Bunny cartoons where characters were smoking or drinking all the time. How soft we've become LOL

[@timjohnson1273]

Can't personally choose between The Fly or Alien as my number 1 favourite horror movie, they are both the pinnacle of the genre. 10/10 for me. Good video!

[@boboboy8189]

Where the thing?

[@captainchaos3667]

It's not often that I only listen to a reaction, rather than watch it.

[@imyourshadow]

Please watch Fly 2. The sequel is criminally underrated and has no right to be as good as it is. Great cast, great effects and surprisingly heartfelt story.

[@rockero1313]

I watched it again last night and still love it. definitely a need-to-watch, specially after watching this one

[@diakojim1977]

(NO SPOILERS) The fly II traumatized me more than the first one as a kid. I haven't seen the movie since(30+years) and i still remember the scene with the bowl of food and what came to eat it.. It broke my heart. 😭

[@indridcold3762]

I watched it once and the dog scene destroyed me.

[@LiberPater777]

It's got Marty McFly in it.

[@desoliver9712]

@@LiberPater777 lol so true.

[@napalmsanctuaryx4129]

"What would Gordon Ramsey say?" "It's f*cking RAW!!" 😁 👍

[@chrisbanks6659]

Oh that's nice that you're back. Was getting a bit concerned there by your absence. 😊 Can't go wrong with Jeff Goldblum and even less wronger (sic) with Geena Davis. LOL

[@NarnianRailway]

always a happy ending when Whimsory enjoys a movie plus viewers have the honor being a fly 🪰on the wall during her movie reaction

[@tomstanziola1982]

Your tastes aren't weird, Whimsory. This is a classic of sci-fi body horror. It's also a tragedy. Your reactions to it are spot-on. You're the best, dear!!! ❤️

[@MichaelJShaffer]

"Scientistical" Never change, Whimsory. Superb reaction and review, as always.

[@kevinburton3948]

This is by far my favourite Jeff Goldblum film and both he and Geena Davis were brilliant. Jeff going from this awkward, meek but incredibly likeable man, to insanely mad scientist and finally a literal monster. Ironic that creepy stalker ex Stathis ends up being the hero in the end. Poor Seth- all he wanted was to create a revolutionary form of travel because he suffered from motion sickness.

[@meowenstein]

"...like two limbs earlier." 😂

[@nathanburr]

Some of the gnarliest special effects in a horror movie. Right up there with “American Werewolf…” and “The Thing”

[@olternaut]

Hello Whimsory! Perfect Halloweeny type movie for you to react to. This is basically a horror/Greek tragedy. I hope you enjoyed. :D

[@BTSlipperypete]

"I hope no children watched this." Yeah... I was 6 and loved every second of it. 🤣

[@Chaosixil]

Your mans out here looking rough. Like a raisin with eyes...and sentience. Great reaction!

[@rockero1313]

that final scene, when he puts the shotgun on his head, always breaks my heart. Goldblum definitely deserved that Oscar, or at least a nomination. after "The Thing", I think this is the second best remake ever

[@Psilocybin77]

One of the grossest, yet darkly beautiful tragic love stories ever. I love tragedy and most chords played in the minor key (especially D), so this movie has remained a personal favourite for me since I was far too young to watch it. Sadness is an incredibly powerful human emotion, and I love stories that have a sense of pathos. It is the greatest stories that elicit real human emotion, and this one does that in so many different ways. What a monument to film-making and practical special effects.

[@RightTurnClyde]

Holy shit. I never noticed before, but the guy in the arm wresting scene is George Chuvalo. Legendary Canadian boxer. He went 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali

[@Maesterful]

Damn! Well spotted

[@RightTurnClyde]

He was 50 when this was made too. That guy still looked in great shape@@Maesterful

[@dwaynecaldwell1636]

Yeah I saw this as an 80s kid. And because I really wanted to watch it, I had to be the one to let everyone else know when it was okay to look at the tv again. They all got sleep that night. I didn't. And every once in awhile, it will still haunt me in my dreams. Definitely recommend watching it as an adult.

[@TTM9691]

Hey Whimsory, that was a really fun and creative edit. And I was not asking why you were laughing! It's a horror movie, even a sad horror movie is funny. It's a movie about a guy who turns into a fly, I mean how serious are you supposed to take it, it's not "Sophie's Choice" or "The Deer Hunter"! (if you haven't seen those, let's just say they're just as sad but a little more rooted in realism, to put it mildly!) But "The Fly" is great (both versions!) and so was this reaction! Great job! All the little cat shots that you quickly inserted in, and you had me laughing many times, just with your edit. Sax music playing, that cracked me up. See you on the next one!

[@MadcapMatt]

Imagine if we got a Spider-Man movie from this director? How nuts would that have been?

[@danielmillward9947]

Look up earth vs the spider from 2001

[@sithlordkaeyl21]

I was 13 when it came out in theaters, and some of my friends (the youngest was 10) and I went to watch it. We loved it, and saw it several times.

[@christopherbako]

After the ape died. Imagine how much clean up you would do. So, his DNA isn't involved in the next teleportation. We could have: Human Ape Fly Mixture.

[@MaaZeus]

Damn, you are right! I never thought of that.

[@mikehuston3751]

" You could have stepped in earlier. Like 2 limbs earlier" lol line of the night

[@tetleyT]

The music is incredible in this movie. Brilliant work by Howard Shore.

[@Crankyhand]

Not even started watching and already thinking: aw, ye poor soul.

[@NelsonSwampWorldTour]

One of the greatest films I have ever seen, and I am not a horror fan AT ALL. My mom took me to see this for my 14th birthday, and I spent most of the runtime covering my eyes and listening to my mom scream in horror at the screen. It took me about 10 years to watch the movie in its entirety, and it became an instant favorite of mine. Tragedy, horror, dark comedy, and an incredible score. The sequel misses all the hallmarks of what made this one work.

[@roberttaylor3699]

You crack me up! "What would Gordon Ramsey say?" "It tastes like baboon!"

[@Cannabian]

I actually laugh a lot at horror movies too, for me I don't usually think of it as real and don't really put myself in the movie. In your words it's just "gnarly" and it makes me laugh and think that practical effect was amazing.

[@implicitmintjulep]

Each time you said "I hope he doesn't get any worse", I chuckled.

[@urborg74]

Top tier practical effects hold up so well...kind of fun to see them outperform CGI from the same time periods.

[@alexanderbeta-werburghii6176]

Thank you, another great reaction and analysis, elevated this time by a kitty quotient that was through the roof. 10/10

[@ThisFiasco]

I wonder how annoyed Jeff Goldblum gets when he hears a reference to that line in Jurassic Park.

[@PinkyPowers]

I don't remember how old I was when I saw this, but I think it MUST have been pre-teen. Riding my bicycle to the local video store, as I so often did throughout the 90s, I stumbled upon this gem. Jeff Goldblum was already a favorite of mine, from Jurassic Park, so I just HAD to rent this. I watched it many times before I returned that tape. I loved it so much. The imagery of his ear falling off, and him slowly peeling his nail off, left an indelible mark. Easily the grossest thing I've ever seen, even now.

[@earthwormandruw]

"fly you fool!" - Gandolf the gray

[@phogue1]

Always enjoy your reactions. Her iconic line, “Be afraid. Be very afraid,” was actually suggested by the great Mel Brooks, who was an uncredited producer on the film. I think his company provided some financing. Oh, I’d highly suggest “Videodrome,” “The Dead Zone,” and “A History of Violence” for your next Cronenberg movies. They are three very different films, but do a great job of showing off his talents. Also, “Scanners,” since gross-out scenes make you crack up. 😀

[@baronvg]

Whimsory with another winner of a reaction. And yes, I was an 80s kid that watched this back in the day. The tequila worm baby from Poltergeist II still freaked me out more.

[@rottenkidd8042]

“Like two limbs ago”. Best line you had, Kid. Ahahaha

[@c0smicshape]

I laughed uncontrollably when you said "someone stop giving them monkeys".

[@GlassJAw413]

According to Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth the inspiration for Cronenberg's transformation of Brundle into the was heavily inspired by Cronenberg's seeing his mom dying from cancer. I think Cronenberg was off at college and every time he visited her she was like a different person wasting away that by the end she was basically a completely different person than what Cronenberg remembered.

[@JoergWeida]

Yes, Jeff Goldblum is playing the piano by himself for real. He is an accomplished jazz piano player.

[@_uncredited]

He's pretty fly for a white guy.

[@christopherbako]

​@@_uncreditedOffspring ! 🎶

[@boboboy8189]

​@@_uncreditedhe is jews though so its not rhyme

[@LordVolkov]

For more of Jeff and Geena - Earth Girls Are Easy, with a young Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans.

[@chrislaustin]

Me and my wife just re-watched this yesterday for the first time in a very long time(for me probably since it was released), and it really is one of the best in the genre. Amazing performances from both leads, and just an overall great film, and those practical effects had me turning my head in several scenes. LOL

[@earlbrown]

80's kid here.... We all watched this and stuff like this. It was just another movie to us. Instead of needing safe spaces and whatnot, we just went outside and rode bicycles till the street lights came on. No big deal.

[@TANKTREAD]

Such an excellent score composed and conducted by Howard Shore and performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra.

[@aruruaurynwolferson9713]

Oh yeah🐺Good choice.👍🏼 I have the uncut version on bluray

[@CalciumChief]

Same as John Carpenter's The Thing, this is a remake of a 50's movie. In the original the transformation happens instantly and it build up to the reveal as the main character hides what happened while trying to reverse it. When the 80's rolled around, the standard of what spooky material was allowed were much more loose and the effects allowed for more gory stuff, so this time it's gradual body horror. The original is usually the one people spoof, like in The Simpsons or Johnny Bravo.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

The best thumbnail expression for reaction to The Fly!

[@julieschuler2575]

I was 11 or 12 when this came out and we watched ALL the gross movies back then, sleepovers, tons of soda, pizza, Evil Dead, The Fly, The Thing, get out the Ouija board, try to raise some demons, play our records backwards looking for occult messages, we had a wild time. I feel bad for kids today.

[@shainewhite2781]

It won Best Makeup at the 1987 Academy Awards. The Maggot Birth Scene was on Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments.

[@Darkswordz]

Whimsory's first-born son will be named Stathis. 😁

[@monsterlair]

So happy you enjoyed it so much!

[@toob1979]

Yet again, Whimsory delivers with a nuanced, thoughtful contemplation of what some people only think of as a "gross horror" film. She gets that this, at its core, is a tragedy. Everyone goes into this situation with the best intentions, but it turns out for the worst. I agree that the most heart-wrenching part was when the creature (it's neither human nor fly at that point, and it has a fair bit of the pod mixed in with it) pointed the shotgun at its own head. There's just enough of Seth left to realize he's too far gone and death is the best option.

[@alwayswrite2011]

19:16 - Bless you! 33:27 - Yeah, this one was a bitter pill to swallow. Paul Newman won for "The Color of Money," in which he was mediocre at best. But he was reprising the role of Eddie Telson from "The Hustler," in which people believed he was cheated from winning the Oscar. So it was very much a, "Oh, we're sorry. Here's your trophy for participating" kind of thing. Jeff Goldblum should have at least been nominated. But my personal opinion is that William Hurt should have won that year for "Children of a Lesser God". Wonderful viewing and review, Whimsory. Looking forward to your next one.

[@alanhembra2565]

I saw it on VHS as a kid in the 80’s and my friends and I loved it.

[@Ocelot812010]

Best moment ever... After a long rant... Whispering in all that makeup, Seth says, "I'll hurt you if you stay." Chilling, Dark, Tragic, Sad... The whole setup is basically trying to explain that his humanity is slowly being consumed by the brutal and emotionless insect. To barrow a line from Ash in Alien, "A survivor... Unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions or morality." I think... This might be the final selfless act of Brendle Seth's humanity shining through. He's sending the woman he loves away before he loses himself completely and inevitably hurts/kills her.

[@glennjpanting2081]

This movie came out the week I turned 17. I don't remember if I saw it in a theater, but I did record it from HBO later on ... and I wore that tape out! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! One of my all-time favorites! 🤩 The sequel is ok, but don't expect it to be as good as this!!!

[@llaauuddrruupp]

I've been skipping other reactors' The Fly videos, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna miss a Whimsory video!

[@AutoPilate]

Loving the Howard Shore appreciation! He’s scored almost all of Cronenberg’s films (the studio forced Cronenberg to use Michael Kamen for The Dead Zone). One of my favorite scores of Shore’s is the one for Al Pacino’s Looking for Richard. I can hear its influence on his scores for the LOTR trilogy.

[@arasakathermalmantisbladez9368]

In the 80s and the 90s you could get lots of different kind of primates at a regular pet store. They weren't very expensive either.

[@Kap00rwith2os]

There's actually a deleted scene from this move where he fuses his second baboon (that's why you don't see it any more after a while) and a cat. You can find it on KZbin 👍

[@paulaanderson2339]

2nd shift worker back then. Had to work half shift on Saturday. Came home late afternoon and flipped on the tv. Went to the kitchen for chips and dip. Started flipping channels, grabbed a chip and landed on HBO to a grotesque face vomiting on a box of doughnuts. Chip went back in bag, lid went back on dip. Headed back to the kitchen thinking "oh, this must be the fly". I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@GarethAlan81]

Watching The Fly as a kid was awesome. 🪰

[@bayrum9803]

The genius stroke in the approach to this remake wasn't to make the transformation gradual to accommodate the body horror elements one would expect from Cronenberg, but to make it a tragic love story to give that transformation maximum emotional impact. His next film, Dead Ringers, is a personal best (for both Cronenberg and Jeremy Irons in the dual role of twins), and it's his most emotionally devastating film. Dead Ringers, Crash and Videodrome would be my top three.

[@olternaut]

As usual your analysis is spot on Whimsory. I'm glad you've realized that beyond horror the movie had a touching and tragic story. In such a short time you've become one of my favorite first time movie reaction content creators.

[@chrisnoonan9486]

Hi Whimsory, thank you once again for another excellent reaction video. It is a joy to see your facial expressions as you watch. I agree with you about the romance element of the film, so many 'non-romance' films have this underlying romance element to them. Do you agree with me that they should have called her boss Mr Cope at the start of the film, before we learn his first name? LOL I recently watched the 4th John Wick film and you have got to react to it. You will absolutely love it going by your reactions to the previous films in the sequence. Brilliant dog acting!!! The IMDB trivia entry for the film will give you a great start to your researching. Looking forward to your next reaction, keep up the great work.

[@chefskiss6179]

Geena Davis's effortless performance really drives home the pathos and makes it all the more gutting. And THANK you for talking about multiple viewings. I know some people as well as me that get asked why we would watch something once you've already seen it(!). I mean, it is a hard question to answer because I just want to ask, why wouldn't you? Not all, but definitely the good-to-excellent ones, for sure. If I don't have a craving once a year to revisit something I liked than, well, I don't know what to say.

[@christopheryochum3602]

Terrific facts about the movie, as usual. You're pretty singular with that aspect of your reactions; you add so much to the video. In your research, did you see how the end-transformation of Brundle into the out-and-out fly didn't work? A piece of flesh stayed on top of the fly's head, so they had to put it all back together again and reshoot! :)

[@artscafe9371]

I was 15 when this was out and watched it, snuck into the cinema lol I was traumatized after lol

[@Uncle_T]

"This is already bad enough." Oooooh boy... 😁 "I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it. But now the dream is over... and the insect is awake." A brilliantly executed heart-breaking tragedy with some stunning practical effects and amazing performances by all the actors (Jeff Goldblum definitely deserved at least an Oscar nomination if not a win, but I guess it was the "wrong" kind of movie), and an unexpected hero of sorts in the end. I love this movie, but yes it's not the best to get in a fun mood.

[@Rozzyc1976]

I saw the Fly when I was 10 in theater when they played the wrong movie, we were there to see Space Camp.

[@terrortats129]

I was a young kid of the '80s when this came out and I watched it. At the time, there was a lot of interest in special FX artists and their craft. It was fascinating to see what the next big magic show was going to be so the movies weren't so much scary, but you watched these movies and you went away happy, cause you got a good story, good characters and a great special FX magic show. It was that way with The Fly, The Thing, The Blob, etc. Of course, part of the fun was wondering how they did these things.

[@OrdinaryMonkey754]

I like how much research you do and dig into the movies. Your hair is always really nice too!