SPOILERS The King of Venereal Horror. An interesting description for David Cronenberg certainly. The creator of some of the most unnerving films of all time ("Videodrome" being a personal favourite), Cronenberg has been scaring and freaking people out for decades now. In 1988 it was time for him to ponder the question of self. Telling the story of two identical twins who are a bit too closely linked, he brought two amazing performances out of Jeremy Irons, but simultaneously managed to create a bit of a mundane affair which never really clicked. Slow and at times incredibly turgid, "Dead Ringers" is a massive disappointment. Irons is out of this world, but sadly the plot isn't.
Beverly and Elliot Mantle (both Irons) are legendary Gynocologist brothers who share a popular practise. At the same time though, they also share women. When Beverly falls for one of their conquests (Genevieve Bujold) however, events begin to take a unique course.
First and foremost, this is an impressive performance by Irons. To play two characters is hard enough, but to play two identical twins who have slight mental differences, is amazing. It's a breathtaking turn really as both characters begin such a steady decline and yet simultaneously talk to each other. How Irons survived such a role is surely a question which needs answering.
In terms of Cronenberg's direction, the director is again on top form. Giving us some truly powerful moments, although nothing excessively gory, he manages to shock and disturb the audience in a way only he can.
Yet, there are major problems. Most notably, the story is a turgid affair. Starting promisingly, it soon descends into confusion, only to decline into a monotonous tale of drug abuse. As both of the brothers fold in on themselves, so does the story. It becomes a one man band almost and by the end you really start to loose interest. Yes the final ten minutes are a recovery of sorts, but by this point you've given up caring and are just keen for it to end. Which in itself is a shame since more often than not the works of Cronenberg are superbly constructed. All in all, this one is a disappointment.
Well acted and occasionally powerful, "Dead Ringers" should be another Cronenberg hit. Unfortunately though, it is a turgid affair and really doesn't have any drive. Declining at the same speed as it's main characters, it quickly fails to live up to the Cronenberg hype, and as a result is a crashing disappointment. Worth watching for Jeremy Irons' outstanding performance, but that's about it.
Beverly and Elliot Mantle (both Irons) are legendary Gynocologist brothers who share a popular practise. At the same time though, they also share women. When Beverly falls for one of their conquests (Genevieve Bujold) however, events begin to take a unique course.
First and foremost, this is an impressive performance by Irons. To play two characters is hard enough, but to play two identical twins who have slight mental differences, is amazing. It's a breathtaking turn really as both characters begin such a steady decline and yet simultaneously talk to each other. How Irons survived such a role is surely a question which needs answering.
In terms of Cronenberg's direction, the director is again on top form. Giving us some truly powerful moments, although nothing excessively gory, he manages to shock and disturb the audience in a way only he can.
Yet, there are major problems. Most notably, the story is a turgid affair. Starting promisingly, it soon descends into confusion, only to decline into a monotonous tale of drug abuse. As both of the brothers fold in on themselves, so does the story. It becomes a one man band almost and by the end you really start to loose interest. Yes the final ten minutes are a recovery of sorts, but by this point you've given up caring and are just keen for it to end. Which in itself is a shame since more often than not the works of Cronenberg are superbly constructed. All in all, this one is a disappointment.
Well acted and occasionally powerful, "Dead Ringers" should be another Cronenberg hit. Unfortunately though, it is a turgid affair and really doesn't have any drive. Declining at the same speed as it's main characters, it quickly fails to live up to the Cronenberg hype, and as a result is a crashing disappointment. Worth watching for Jeremy Irons' outstanding performance, but that's about it.