David Cronenberg (Pocket Essentials) - Softcover

Costello, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1903047269 ISBN 13: 9781903047262

Publisher: Pocket Essentials, 2000

Synopsis

For nearly thirty years David Cronenberg has been terrorising the cinema-going public while working through his own personal obsessions and neuroses. His most famous films have become bywords for screen controversy and the breaking of film taboo - be it exploding heads (Scanners, 1980), hallucinogenic pornography (Videodrome, 1982), deranged gynaecologists (Dead Ringers, 1989) or, er, 'sex n'wrecks' (Crash, 1997).

Yet while his preoccupations have remained consistently challenging, his reputation has risen (in line, perhaps, with his budgets and the refinement of his technique) to such an extent that he is no longer regarded as a purveyor of exploitation but as a genuine visionary in tune with the 21st century psyche.

This Pocket Essential guide contains an introductory essay, followed by an analysis of each of his films that uncovers and explores his recurring themes. All this plus an extensive reference section, including Cronenberg websites and video availability of his films.

About this title

About the Author

John Costello is a Film and Media Studies lecturer and screenwriter. He has written Pocket Essentials on David Cronenberg, Writing A Screenplay and Science Fiction Films.

From the Back Cover

Almost everything you need to know in one essential guide.

Who is David Cronenberg? Mild-mannered, bespectacled professor-next-door, or Canadian psycho? Intellectual, erudite auteur of slaughter, or dangerous peddler of sick, perverted visions? One thing beyond question is that David Cronenberg is, quite simply, unique.

In fact, few film-makers better suit the term auteur than Cronenberg, who for thirty years has consistently explored 'difficult' territory. Using the horror genre as a vehicle to unflinchingly confront his own psyche, he has created a celluloid body of personal visions unparalleled in modern cinema, examining the areas at the borders of existence with surgical curiosity. His domain is the depths of the human mind and his quest, in his own words, is "to show the unshowable, to speak the unspeakable." From the gross-out assault of his debut feature Shivers, to the steely 'sex and wrecks' Crash and beyond, Cronenberg's images and atmospheres pervade one's consciousness; taking root in the mind, they strike in unguarded moments.

What's in this book? As well as an introductory essay, each of the films is reviewed and analysed. In addition, common themes and concerns are dissected. In addition, common themes and concerns are dissected. And there's a handy reference section listing other books, interesting websites and the availability of his films.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pocket Essentials
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1903047269
• ISBN 13: 9781903047262
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96