The Fly
Still as disgusting and tragic as the first time I watched it.
Seen as a metaphor for those who slowly degenerate due to a disease or from age, Cronenberg taps into the primal horror of losing the person you once were and becoming unrecognisable to those who love you.
The cinematography is great and I loved the way it adapts to Brundle the further into his transformation. The tracking shots from the ceiling to the tight and uncomfortable close ups as Brundle succumbs to his disease; provide some fantastic moments of terror.
Jeff Goldblum balances the quirky and charming personality with moments of fear and resignation perfectly. By the end, he isn't the same as you once saw him. Geena Davis is great as she bounces off of Brundle's progression into something monstrous. Their chemistry is both palpable, endearing but ultimately, quite devastating. John Getz is also good, knows how to channel that prick energy.
Unlike most horror scores from the 80's, Cronenberg decided to opt for an orchestral score instead of synth. Howard Shore does an impeccable job of composing a melancholic and unsettling atmosphere. Definitely one of my favourite horror scores.
I can't end this review without acknowledging the incredible practical effects. The stages of Brundle slowly turning into the fly-human hybrid are uncomfortable and horrifying.
Once he turns into Brundlefly, you bare witness to some of the most stomach-churning body horror put to film. Outstanding work from Chris Walas and Stephen Dupuis.
This will always be Cronenberg's masterpiece in my eyes. I love this film and it hits all the notes that make the horror genre so captivating.
10/10