Scanners (1981)

Scanners (1981)

Intelligent.  Though-provoking.  Weird.  That pretty much describes any film by David Cronenberg.  Scanners is the movie that made Hollywood take notice of this innovative director.  It's one of my favorite film form this director for a number of reasons.  First of all, you never know where this film is really going.  It has lots of twists and turns and gives the viewer tidbits along the way to keep them glued to the screen.  The basic story involves a group of humans with super telepathic abilities which are known as scanners.    Some see this as a gift to humankind.  Others want to us it for nefarious purposes.  It's classic stuff done by a master filmmaker.

Scanners is also helped by a strong cast, especially the "bad guy" Darryl Revok, played by Michael Ironside [Total Recall, Top Gun] who imbues the character with a double helping of creepy and a side of menace.  It's a classic performance and Ironside's villiains are always a delight to watch.  My other favorite character was Dr. Paul Ruth who tries to stop the bad guy by sending in another talented scanner to bring him down.    Patrick McGoohan [Braveheart, Escape From Alcatraz] gives the doctor a weird, off-kilter vibe that is perfect for a Cronenberg film.  It's a subtle but commanding performance which is a difficult thing to do.

The special effects in Scanners are also fun.  Granted, they're not the most skilled effects but they made me laugh and even wince occasionally.  The exploding head toward the beginning of the film was priceless and the final battle scene was epically strange and creative.  Love it!

In light of some of the really crappy 80's movies that came out in the early years of that decade, Scanners stand tall above them all.  Do not miss this one.

RATING: Excellent.

For more info check out the film's entry in IMDB.

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