The Fly

Director David Cronenberg takes a different approach with THE FLY than in his other horror films. On its surface, it's a story about an experiment gone horribly awry, resulting in a hideous hybrid / mutation. In reality, it's a tragic love story about a woman named Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) and her quirky, scientist boyfriend, Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum).

Indeed, the experiment does go wrong, and notoriously sickening horror ensues. Through the course of the movie, Brundle undergoes an astonishingly repulsive transformation. The special effects and makeup in this movie are phenomenal! However, this is not just about a man in a frightening rubber costume.

This is a movie with surprising emotional depth. Veronica's love for Brundle is tested beyond all measure, right up to the frenzied finale. Ms. Davis is absolutely believable in her devastated role, as is Mr. Goldblum in his series of deteriorating states. These are star-crossed lovers, caught up in something that could very well destroy them both. It's about what happens when someone we adore is stricken with something debilitating / disfiguring and dangerous. Veronica stays with Brundle far beyond the point of sanity. Only her deep feelings for him could allow such devotion.

One of Cronenberg's most intriguing and insightful efforts...

It's been over 20 years since this movie was made, but the special effects are still amazing and the story is an entertaining - and disgusting - as ever! I watch it about every 5-7 years. It's utterly fascinating, but it is so uncomfortable to watch at times I always wonder, as I am viewing it, why I put myself through this each time! The original movie, with Vincent Price, is "dullsville" compared to this re-make.

Things can get really disgusting as Jeff Goldblum ('Seth Brundle") slowly turns into a huge fly. The transformation is very gross in certain spots, and certainly gut-wrenching to witness. You can just feel his girlfriend's anguish and horror as she witnesses Goldblums' incredible physical and mental change. Geena Davis gives a convincing performance in that roles as "Veronica Quiafe."

The story is not just a dumb horror-creature movie, but an intelligent science fiction tale with both leading actors excellent. I don't Davis ever looked prettier, too. John Getz also is good as her magazine boss, "Stathis Borans." Those three characters dominate the film. I can't even remember anyone else in here.

The ending is stunning, almost leaving the first time viewer in shock. In fact, by the nd, this movie will have you emotionally worn out.

Most science fiction films are big on ideas and special effects, but weak on coherence and character development; most horror films are just the same, except without the ideas. But David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' takes one simple idea, develops it properly, and eschews (its genuinely terrifying) special effects until its truly horrific climax. And by paying some attention to the personalities of its protagonists, it actually makes you care about them (Jeff Goldblum is excellent in the lead role), and adds a level of serious reflection on the very nature of human mortality to the raw shock. The mix amounts to a gruesomely good film.

Why is it this film that will always be his REAL 'breakout', and not any of the others before or since? The truth is, beneath all the biological yucks and makeup (there is plenty of both) lies a strong emotional core. Goldblum is enthusiastically likable as scientist Seth Brundle, and Geena Davis is just how Geena Davis seems to be in real life... sweet. It is how the events change both characters EMOTIONALLY, not physically, that inspires the true horror.

The blending of both the above elements makes this remake appeal simultaneously to the 'gross out' crowd, and those in the mood for a more cerebral horror experience. A concept of B-movie stature, electrified by the skills of A-list talent.

David Cronenberg's "The Fly" has always been one of my favorite sci-fi horror movies ever since watching it as a young teenager. Why? Well, there are multiple reasons for this.

Let's start out with the story. It has a very interesting and disturbing story that deals with different topics without losing focus on the core of the movie. It is a story that deals with scientific issues of teleportation, but it does so in a very believable manner. But it is also the story of an aloof scientist who invents something unique and his downfall into despair and hunger for knowledge and power.

"The Fly" also has good effects, taking into consideration that it is from 1986. Granted that compared with today's technology and possibilities, then it is outdated. But I do believe that the special effects team working on "The Fly" managed to create something that actually still holds its ground even today. The whole transformation from Seth Brundle to Brundlefly is just exceptional, and I mean that both in terms of the special effects and make-up applied to Jeff Goldblum, but also in the way that the character started to behave and the skills he acquired from the transformation.

Then there are some outstanding performances to be witnessed in the movie. First and foremost, it is of course Jeff Goldblum who steals the screen with his enigmatic performance as Seth Brundle. I believe this was also the very first movie I saw him in. His mannerisms, behavior and that twitchy side to him is just right on the nail for this particular role.

There is just something timeless about the story presented in "The Fly" and it is a movie that you can watch over and over. I don't know how many times exactly I have watched it by now, but it is around ten or so.

"The Fly" is definitely a well-worthy addition the to horror genre, and it is an outstanding movie that you should already be familiar with. If you by some strange reason haven't seen "The Fly" already, I can strongly recommend that you take the time to do so.