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Directed by: David Cronenberg Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gabriel Byrne and Miranda Richardson I’ve always found Cronenberg’s work to be a pretty mixed bag, especially his recent output. The Dead Zone and The Fly still remain his best, with Dead Ringers and Crash being worthwhile curiosities, but everything else, although not entirely without merit, seems to fall short of the bullseye. Thankfully, Spider is a welcome return to form. Patrick McGrath adapts the screenplay from his own novel, weaving the tale of Spider Cleg, a young man returned to contemporary London society after a twenty year spell in a mental asylum. However, it’s not too long before his past comes back to haunt him and we’re given an insight into what makes him the man he is today. Key to the success of the movie are the three main leads, particularly Ralph Fiennes, who delivers his most impressive performance to date (it was he who originally brought the script to Cronenberg’s attention), creating a character who is paradoxically completely alien and detatched from human society, while at the same time being completely sympathetic and mesmerising to watch. Miranda Richardson and Gabriel Byrne are also suitably impressive. Spider remains one of the most atonishing movies of recent times — the combination of Fiennes’ interpretation of Spider, Cronenberg’s powerful direction, Peter Suschitzky’s gorgeous cintematography and Howard Shore’s minimalist score all come together to create a fascinating insight into a troubled psyché. RATING: 4.5 PROS: Dark, gritty, uncomfortable. CONS: Could have done with an edgier music score, but otherwise nothing to report. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://imdb.com/title/tt0278731/
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May 25, 2004 09:59
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| # ? Apr 26, 2024 05:52 |
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Loved the book, couldn't wait to see the film. It's very good indeed, but this story still works better as a book. Notwithstanding, it's perfect material for Cronenbourg and he handles it really well. The only thing that quite freaked me is that Ralph Fiennes really looks the part in terms of his clothing and mannerisms, but he has perfectly tidy hair! I've never, ever met a schizophrenic with such a well kept barnet! Voted 4.
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May 30, 2004 15:20
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I kept nodding off. Stylistically it's got that unique Cronenberg touch, but otherwise it's a rather pointless and boring movie. Rating: 2
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Feb 9, 2005 21:31
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