The more I think about this film, the more fond I am of it. Much like Closet Land, it sounds more like something I'd wish would be made rather than a real film.
If you're content to stare at Jeremy Irons' face for two hours, this is for you. The characters of the twins are juicy indeed: Beverly is the woobie you could take home to mother, while Elliott is. . . Patrick Bateman. Dead Ringers kept reminding me of American Psycho, which is a compliment, as I love that film too. From the artificial late-eighties production design to Elliott's haircut, I wouldn't be surprised if this film informed many of the artistic decisions for American Psycho.
Irons should have received his Oscar for this. The clear distinctiveness of each twin is downright eerie, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how they made both of him appear on screen simultaneously. I have to give props to anyone who pulls off effects that look real.
One review on this page postulates that Dead Ringers is hard for women to watch because of the mysterious mutilating devices. I can testify that I, at least, wasn't off-put except when one of the twins (you're not sure who is who at that point) mutilates the other. You'll better understand what Cronenberg is going for if you know it's supposed to be a horror movie. There is still definite eroticism throughout, at least in my opinion. Sick depraved things are often erotic.
The weak link is the character of Claire, whose delivery I thought was too brusque and bleak. But I am very happy to have discovered this film. It is not for everyone, though.
If you're content to stare at Jeremy Irons' face for two hours, this is for you. The characters of the twins are juicy indeed: Beverly is the woobie you could take home to mother, while Elliott is. . . Patrick Bateman. Dead Ringers kept reminding me of American Psycho, which is a compliment, as I love that film too. From the artificial late-eighties production design to Elliott's haircut, I wouldn't be surprised if this film informed many of the artistic decisions for American Psycho.
Irons should have received his Oscar for this. The clear distinctiveness of each twin is downright eerie, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how they made both of him appear on screen simultaneously. I have to give props to anyone who pulls off effects that look real.
One review on this page postulates that Dead Ringers is hard for women to watch because of the mysterious mutilating devices. I can testify that I, at least, wasn't off-put except when one of the twins (you're not sure who is who at that point) mutilates the other. You'll better understand what Cronenberg is going for if you know it's supposed to be a horror movie. There is still definite eroticism throughout, at least in my opinion. Sick depraved things are often erotic.
The weak link is the character of Claire, whose delivery I thought was too brusque and bleak. But I am very happy to have discovered this film. It is not for everyone, though.