Mutant Creativity At Work

Rating: 7/10 (22 August 2004)

In the 1950s when all the world was aflame with ideas of the future (Orwell's War of the Worlds, 1984, and Assimov's work), George Langelaan came up with the story, The Fly, as his one-hit wonder. Now, not having seen the first version with Vincent Price, I cannot comment on whether this one, directed by David Cronenberg, is better. I can, however, tell you that this film is good. Although it is a slight departure from Langellan's story in that scientist Seth Brundle's (Jeff Goldblum) whole body becomes mutated with a fly's DNA. In the original story the head and arm become switched with that of a fly. The special effects and design work involved are very good, from the telepods to the rapid transformation of Brundle into the fly. The chemistry between reporter Veronica Quaife (Gena Davis) seems a little implausible at first but soon fades out as the possibility of teleportation is discussed.
The movie delivers good suspense in Brudle-fly's metamorphosis. Veronica's pregnancy gives puts a little shock-factor in as well. The ending has both strange gore along with good theatrical tragedy. *SPOILERS HEREAFTER: I was confused as to why the bar girl Brundle picked up didn't get pregnant or was tested (maybe on birth control for flies?). Some intense gore as Brundle immobilizes his victim when John Getz' arm and foot are melted. And of course, the disturbing idea that Brundle wants to mutate himself, Veronica and the baby into one big mass...? Yuck!