VIDEODROME (1983) - Movie Review

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[@platonicdescartes]

All hail the new flesh.

[@oceanmachine1906]

SYL :)

[@joshuapage5689]

i was just thinking like 2 days ago how awesome it would be if you did a scanners or videodrome review.. thank you

[@Ytnzy250]

She did Scanners? Woo Hoo.

[@anthonywheeler2082]

Brian Oblivion seems like a proto-youtuber in a very odd way. He spends his life video taping everything he does. He has an entire wall of video tapes (or more) of himself, which is why he isn't afraid to let his body die. His entire life is cataloged so even if he dies etc his entire existence is still on video tapes for people to watch and learn from. It's like out growing your body kind of thing. Essentially even without a body he is still very alive on those tapes. Like how a youtubers videos could very well outlive them. Anyway, I loved your review, and I think about Videodrome a lot and how it syncs up eerily well to our current reality. Also the Criterion double DVD of Videodrome is amazing! I got it for Christmas one year, and it's one of the best DVD's I own!

[@CosmoShidan]

Fun fact, Brian Oblivion was homage to Cronenberg's professor and mentor, Marshal McLuhan.

[@seife41]

I do understand it covers an interesting issues and so on, but its hard for me to give this a rating (own) at all. I wouldnt rate it very high as a movie, hard to explain for me right now... english is not my first language neither.

[@Mr06261984]

this movie is evidence that we were on our way to developing the internet with our personalities.

[@ihatekillerclowns]

it's scary how true that statement is. This is not being addressed in society.

[@Mr06261984]

@@ihatekillerclowns it must have been obvious to anyone semi-clued into reality that the internet was going to happen. that scene with jimmy fallon in almost famous was not far off. this is very similar to today when we think of how close we are to an all automated society. robot prostitutes are just around the corner. god we must all be dead inside.

[@alex-oy9eo]

i was JUST about to comment asking you to cover this and The Brood!! thanks for reading my mind Maggie.

[@patrickgogan3517]

Thank you for acknowledging one of the more underrated movies ever made you're beautiful by the way

[@only257]

Patrick Gogan Hey, it's the Bugaloos that is my mst3k joke 😂

[@JefeDeJefes8484]

David Croenberg is one of my favorite writer/directors. He's the king of body horror. Shivering is another good one. He also did a good job as and actor in Clive Barker's Nightbreed. Great breakdown and review of Videodrome, Woods was excellent in it.

[@reginaldbauer5243]

Wait until we start to harness the use of light with its ability to store/transmit information (as seen with the helmet gadget placed on Max's head by Barry Convex) as a kind of a memory for laser based quantum computers/chips and which might one day be used as an interface with our own brains that will be able to store/transmit said information instantaneously via other computers, cell phones, tvs and virtual reality type of technology.

[@papmasterOST]

This Video Drome review earned you my Subscription, Thank You

[@mrrrl795]

I just watched this film for the first time day and you are right. There are so many layers to this film. It was way ahead of its time and has so much to say about our relationship to TV: how we seek out more 'stimulating' imagery, how our perception of reality is altered by TV, how we reenact things we see on TV, etc.

[@johnnycobb00]

gonna be going on 1:30 am here in scotland and im gonna go watch videodrome in bed now after this review, i do love how you go into depth with your reviews rather than just skimming the surface, another nice review.. see ya on the next one ;)

[@CondorSkyGhost]

social media is the new videodrome... look at our world. Videodrome is almost a prophecy of what is now. Ahead of its time.

[@classicvideogoodies]

His 1975 film Shivers, about a disease that makes people crave sex, also mixes horror with the erotic. It's not as well-made, but still enjoyable as an off-the-beaten-path horror film. Shivers is available on streaming and a UK Blu-ray edition. For a horror film to stand out, it needs something extra, something that transcends its own genre, or a "different kind of horror." Cronenberg's films certainly have that.

[@antonboludo8886]

Yes, he has a unique directing style. Shivers is a good movie. I live in an apartment complex in Montreal which is very similar to the one depicted in the film, lol.

[@Del-Canada]

I want to recommend two other classics you may want to review. Pin(A Plastic Nightmare) [1988] and The Pit(1981).

[@Del-Canada]

Both can be found on KZbin.

[@cable54-guy15]

Great review! Most of Cronenberg’s films in the 80’s were great. The Dead Zone is very underrated when it comes to King adaptations. Any chance you’ll review The Hitcher from 1986? Would live to hear a breakdown and your opinion of it.

[@NaughtyVampireGod]

It's been a number of years since I saw this film. I recall it being very prophetic as to the internet - which is remarkable since the internet wasn't even on the horizon in '83. I am also a big Deborah Harry fan - Blondie is one of my favorite bands. She was great in this role, and makes me wish she had done more movies. I also like James Woods' edgy acting and this was one of his best roles- - perfect for the part. Not a huge Cronenberg fan - however I appreciate the fact that he adapted two of my favorite authors: JG Ballard (Crash) and William Burroughs (Naked Lunch).

[@martinp.5384]

I am going to be honest with you. You seem to have such a deep understanding of the human psyche that I am honestly taken back and shocked by the knowledge you possess. I mean your analysis of this movie and all others you make feel so transcendent and on a higher level that it blows me to bits. You are an incredible reviewer and analyst, just leaves me speechless.

[@lampad4549]

Or maybe your just completely ignorant of the human psyche that any semblance of someone understanding comes of as deep. Perhaps do you little more research before passing out such praise it comes off as naive. This is for the person who called joker an incel fantasy.

[@PumpkinSpicePretzels]

Why are you shocked by it? Because she looks like a model? Or you can't believe that she could have that deep of an understanding?

[@Wildcock23]

Get over your infatuation dude. She’s just an average reviewer-the only reason she gets more than average views is because of thirsty dudes like you. If this was a guy providing the same insight, he would have a fraction of the views simply because he’s a male.

[@andrewheier5315]

No way this is one of the best movie review channels on KZbin nobody cares what she looks like. You need to go outside

[@longtallshorty5791]

@@Wildcock23awwww. You’re alone, aren’t you? There there. It’s ok to be afraid sometimes ❤️

[@splodge71]

having seen Videodrome when it first came out on VHS in the early 80s(being a teenager)i loved for the gorefest it is,as i have gotten older,especially with the rise of social media,it makes you realize how prescient it was....also given James Woods outbursts over the years on social media the irony of him growing a bio-mechanical gun out of his hand to punish"perverts"never fails to make me laugh

[@ktrak222]

If you wrote a book that celebrates film analysis like you do so passionately and insightful, I think it would truly inspire so many people to delve into these worlds that you share with us! LONG LIVE THE NEW FLESH ;)

[@musicfilmhead9051]

This is a really cool film that was ahead of it's time. His son just came out with a film called Possessor that's pretty cool.

[@VoteforPaulo]

Possessor is SOOO good

[@seijunsejuki]

Great review! Never seen the film, but I'll definitely check it out now.

[@MikusMusik]

Great review, I've watched a few of videosrome and yours is by some way the best, thanks for it, has helped my process what I just saw! Amazing film

[@MrMarioguy888]

I was curious to know your thoughts on Cronenberg's original proposed conclusion, as the director initially intended to depict a sort of catharsis to the entire film in which Nicki and Max would meet on the Videodrome set along with every core character, and each would engage in a sort of penultimate orgy through their chest slits from which "sex organs" would emerge. Cronenberg described it as a 'Freudian' conclusion which he rejected for his atheist beliefs, finding the conclusion to denote an afterlife. Although I must admit that despite the memorable conclusion already being cathartic, the idea intrigues me only for an 'if' scenario.

[@gary0078]

long live the new flesh....

[@Hank-e2y]

I saw this movie on HBO 1983 when pay per view TV was uncensored. There was a nipple piercing scene. It was the sofa scene where Niki said to Max "Want to try a few things..?" Very next scene Max needle pierced her nipple through and through on closeup with a drop of blood and all. There was no "sex" involved but the inference was unquestionably obvious. The whole movie was provocative, but that scene was on the pinnacle edge. I have seen the film many times since and have never seen that scene again. When I saw your review I hoped I would have my answer. Maybe you could help me find the answer? I'm wondering if there is a directors cut somewhere of the original. I wish I could have the opportunity to see it again UNCENSORED.

[@johnauston9603]

WhenVideodrome came out in the early '80's,the medium was television...................NOW,with the internet,and VR and AI...............well..................................

[@annafrior6532]

I watched Videodrome a few months back and loved it! I feel like we have the same taste in films but you're better at describing them haha xx

[@antonboludo8886]

Good review. David Cronenberg has a unique directing style. I remember seeing the trailer for Videodrome in the theatres. I saw the movie on VHS a number of years later.

[@superficialwannabe]

Please do Naked Lunch next!! :)

[@elliottneal7002]

I constantly wonder if The Fly was Cronenberg’s reaction to Videodrome not doing well at the box office. I agree with your point that Videodrome manages to straddle the line between straightforward and ambiguous, but I do think there was a concerted effort to make his next film more accessible to the masses. Whether I’m right or wrong, both movies are the peak of his early work and I’m happy both exist.

[@robzilla730]

You are Nikki Brandt's and Maxx Renn's spiritual granddaughter. Lol😅

[@patrickgogan3517]

Thank you for acknowledging one of the more underrated movies ever made you're beautiful by the way

[@GoldandAppel]

Videodrome is like a ZFX/ SHOCKWAVE, Rick Masters Production.

[@adamquiles2468]

Sorry to say I never liked Videodrome in fact I was never fan of Cronenberg his stuff was too out there especially The Fly which was too damn depressing to watch!!!

[@robzilla730]

Then why did you wear that dress?? You know what Freud would've said about that dress...??

[@Sunner8]

I wonder what Freud would say about the reviewer wearing a red simulating dress for this particular film review 🧐? A conscious decision ? I think so 💃🏻😅

[@wilburwokeii8298]

Very nice

[@TheTristanmarcus]

I could watch you all day ❤😎❤ Please do a Naked Lunch review 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@rockitmorton]

I liked how the military unleashing a powerful weapon on the unsuspecting public is part of the other themes. Great companion piece for Scanners, the plots travel from personal to social to political.

[@MatthewSuffidy]

I guess it raises some interesting ideas about the impact of mental freedoms basically, but I gather the point is reality does not really behave in this manner.

[@LuisAngel-mu4zv]

This is one of the most insightful video's ive seen in a long while! I always wanted to articulate what i thought about fhe film but didnt know how, and i related to most of the things you've said. "Television is reality and reality is less than television" makes alot more sense to me now.

[@92ninersboy]

This was a very insightful review of a twisted masterpiece. I don't recall you reviewing any other Cronenberg films - I always wondered when you would get around to Cronenberg - a true master and visionary. I enjoy all of Cronenberg's phases, not just the overt body horror movies. Basically, Cronenberg is very psycho-sexually oriented along with having a keen insight into the direction technology is taking us (and it doesn't hurt that he's also really funny). Would love to hear your take someday on "Cosmopolis", which isn't everyone's cup-of-tea but I find truly brilliant and unique.

[@ryanbates362]

Your dress... it's red.... you know what Freud would have said about that dress? ;)

[@PumpkinSpicePretzels]

I just realized that your cam has the image reversed. You're a good reviewer but seeing text backwards is so annoying haha

[@valentinguz]

Review that's as deep as the movie, thanks for blowing my mind!

[@tonym1012]

Have you ever seen Repo Man? Have you reviewed it? If not, please do :)

[@GoldandAppel]

Marshall McLuhan foresaw ALL OF THIS.

[@mohammedalghouti2033]

Interested to see your review of CRASH (1996)

[@hamzarouri8454]

This film had to grow on me, but after revisting it, I really ended up loving it. I'd say my second favorite Cronenberg behind The Fly. As usual, great analysis. Some things that I didn't quite catch on myself. Although, I defintely did see this film as more relevent now than it was in 1983

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Scanners is great too, though seems cheesy the first go-round.

[@hamzarouri8454]

@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 oh yeah, I liked that Scanners, as well. It's flawed, but it's still a very fun movie.

[@Del-Canada]

I was loosely involved in that sort of world(Just video piracy, not that subject matter) when the movie came out. I loved it and watched it at least twice a year since 1983.

[@Del-Canada]

Was a "you had to be there" kind of deal. I mean if you really wanted to understand it.

[@robertnewett5932]

I think you said it best about what this movie is all about. The line between civil and primal is paper thin. This movie was ahead of its time.

[@ItsTristan1st]

The films greatest problem is that it was too smart for it's audience.

[@kaneko269]

Videodrome is like modern technology: it can be used either for good or evil

[@DefLeppard-pk8rt]

Videodrome brought me nightmares when i was a child

[@watamatafoyu]

I don't know why your arms remind me of James Woods' in this movie

[@Subtle-System]

Please review "Naked Lunch"

[@jer2dabear]

Very underrated, i just picked up the criterion 4k set.

[@garykearney3273]

What's the story with the picture in green frame?

[@TheHandsomeman]

Films may effect you, but to me there just entertainment.

[@trydowave]

You're one of the best reviewers on KZbin. Great analysis. I adore Cronenbergs movies. His writing just sucks you in; not only with its intelligence and insight but also, to my mind, humour. He's a legend. Can't say I dislike any of his films.. (apart from Cosmopolis).

[@jy285]

This is the best review I’ve seen on this film. Thanks!

[@GoldandAppel]

Dave had a punked out flavor to his earlier work.

[@davids2368]

Paprika is very similar to Videodrome in some ways

[@michaelcooney9368]

Another clues why it all could be in Max's head, Cronenbergs other films Naked Lunch and Existenz. In Naked Lunch, a reporter's typewriter comes to life and he goes to a fantastical land not found on a map called Interzone, and thinks he's solving a conspiracy involving dimension crossing insectoid beings. But he's really a impoverished author just zonked in his room progressively taking stronger hallucinagens as he writes. Existenz has a woman inventing a hyper real VR game. She thinks she's in on a massive covert op, but she could just be overindulged on her game, or just insane and the game doesn't exist.

[@darnellmajor9016]

Maggie what is that book you have to the far right?

[@jameshurley776]

Spooney introduced me to videodrome

[@thecavalry1523]

Nice review. Subscribed! Off Topic --- Who was more influential for Deep Focus Filmmakers - Kubrick or Kuosawa?

[@Wulfpack1]

I just found your channel and you have pretty much the exact same taste in movies I do. Here are two I'm sure you'd like. One is The Hitcher (1986) directed by Robert Harmon starring C.Thomas Howell and Rutger Hauer. I saw this when I was young recently rediscovered it. Its an intense movie that holds up extremely well and I am amazed more people haven't seen it. The other is pretty recent and you may have seen it already. Its Snowpiercer (2013) by Bong Joon Ho, the the director who also did Mother and Parasite. I would love to hear you talk about these. PS its true. Sometimes an experience with certain psychedelic drugs can provide you with an instant perspective and insight into yourself and others that completely rebirths the way you perceive and understand yourself and the world around you, dispelling any veil you previously looked through. Some hallucinogens can be used safely and responsibly. Contrary to popular belief drugs do have merit and can provide value to humans . Sorry so long

[@NagasakiNightmare]

I clicked through while trying to find out why the opening credits of Halloween III reminded me so much of Videodrome. Anyways, I saw you wearing a red dress to discuss Videodrome and thought it was a great hook. 👍 Glad to see you’re still making videos

[@PrinceofMacedonVlogs]

haven't seen Videodrome in ages. Need to re-watch it :D

[@CaptGage]

It was nothing great, but I've got half a mind to see it again, after seeing it for the first time only a couple of days ago. It is different and innovative. It reminds me of a horror precursor to Max Headroom.

[@dominicconti6278]

I enjoyed and appreciated your review of this film (and I've enjoyed your reviews, in general). I wonder if you're familiar with the work of Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan? He's (supposedly) the inspiration for the character of Brian Oblivian and learning about his theories was integral to my understanding of the film. You didn't mention him in your review (not a huge criticism, mind you -- there's much else to focus on and you brought up some points I hadn't considered). Regardless, keep up the good work.

[@IB-lx1wu]

Great review. Couldn't agree with you more. Now for the ultimate challenge , Eraserhead. Could you review it. Thanks

[@stillunknown]

Concise and thoughtful film reviews are hard to come by on KZbin so I'm glad I found this channel. Great video.

[@scottsharp1763]

Blessings queen truly love and appreciate U, this channel and Ur love for cinema ❤️💛💚 I consider myself an adult humane being, anden as a child I was fairly unaware of “school” shootings from previous times or generations. Yet it’s not a “discussion” in my opinion that directly after Leonardo dicupriato shot up his school in basketball diaries that we have seemed to celebrate, glorify and excuse that THEY JUST HAPPEN! This is the first march in the 2000s that there was not a school shooting simply because there was no school! (Global pandemic) Although sometimes “taboo” subjects or hard core subjects need to be addressed, I don’t believe glorifying rape, justifying rape anden NEVER STOPPING OR AT LEAST CURBING RAPE in real life helps our society in America or anywhere butden who am eye an what do eye knose!? Thanks again queen for such an amazing and beautiful in-depth dive into cinema, it’s directors, characters and all its inner workings ❤️💛💚🙏🏾💚💛❤️

[@mudpiez464]

Scanners next!

[@implumkrazy]

I love the movie Videodrome He's fed a signal that makes him hallucinate and then his hallucination become reality when that happens you are all used up

[@alyasfukename3355]

Went to watch EXistenZ again and saw it was considered the spiritual successor to Videodrome. I immediately went to watch it instead as I had not seen it. I was very impressed. I hadn't cringed at body horror in a long time but I definitely did watching Max shove his hand into his stomach.

[@Kubricklover1972]

Brilliant analyses and brilliant review! This happens to be my favorite Cronenberg film and Scanners is a close second. I don't think Videodrome has to follow the conventions of a traditional plot and story line and I like how it veers off that path and offers something more as the film progresses. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@flippyjunior1267]

I haven't seen the film and had no idea what you where talking about, but yet I enjoyed your review while breakfast very much! Also the comments have moved on YT wtf?

[@acouelfoly]

I discovered your channel via your review of Climax. Above the fact that it could have been my review from beginning to end, the thing that made me think you were going to be special to me was the way you approached the incest subject putting social conventions aside. Now you are doing it again about the male/female relationship. We think the same way and there are only a very few people I have met that I could really relate to this way. I guess you understand why your videos makes me happy beyond the reviews themselves. It's like The Dude : it is good to know there is a Maggie out there, thinking for us! I can't thank you for being what you are, what I can do is just repeat myself and tell you that what you do is important to me. Oh, and that I will at last watch Videodrome in the folllowing days and then very probably recommend it myself to any potential future aficionados! I just hope it will be easier to sell than Spider!

[@ralphvanz.7925]

A very good review of one of my favourite films. Hoping to see reviews of my favorite Canadian director here one day; Atom Egoyan (Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter). Or did you ever review him in the past?

[@jer2dabear]

One of my favs

[@garykearney3273]

" We're are animals don't you know" - Animal Collective

[@dionysusyphus]

Very excited to discover to discover your channel and I found your insights really interesting and helpful in interpreting this film and illuminating the underlying more sublime and archetypal structure pieces together this movies myth. And I found it incredibly relevant with how exposes the illusions of our false sense of being so past our primal nature when more and more the media and internet of todays society is looking more and more like a modern Roman Colosseum everyday. And we know it wasn't too soon after that their society collapsed once this extreme form of brutal voyerism becomes the norm, even though at the same time maybe having a fake form me be the cheat code our society needed to evade this possible correlation

[@8yerbrain]

:)

[@vinnylt2408]

Shes cute.

[@NeverTakeNoShortcuts]

Who are you?

[@mahatmaniggandhi2898]

wow you like both both videodrome AND watchmen? me 2😃

[@joedunlop7646]

Goddam this is a phenomenal review. Would love to hear your thoughts on Crash or Dead Ringers.

[@luisfelipemalorojas6592]

hola

[@luisvelez8096]

Been wanting to watch this film. Looks very interesting.

[@damianstarks3338]

I’ve seen this movie and it is insane and awesome by the way love your analysis this movie.

[@bhbluebird]

This was such a fun movie and underrated when it originally came out.

[@cruddddddddddddddd]

Oh need to rewatch. Do eXistenZ next!! Edit: really, do any Cronenberg film. The only one I dislike is Cosmopolis

[@92ninersboy]

I love "Cosmopolis".

[@ihatekillerclowns]

Why don't you review those Netflix straight-to-DVD masterpieces? Netflix and online streaming has destroyed cinema.

[@NaughtyVampireGod]

A lot of things have destroyed cinema - mostly Hollywood.

[@marcusatiusvirilis7723]

I just watched this. A great cult classic for sure

[@ajaywankhede1905]

do you have notes on table why do you look down in every 5 seconds

[@johnnycobb00]

am i first comment,,,,,, notification squad

[@only257]

Love videodrome it’s a good movie 🍿