A Remake Done Right

Rating: 8/10 (2 September 2016)

David Cronenberg is the master of body horror for a reason and mainly it's because of this terrifying remake of the 1958 science-fiction film of the same name.
Bolstered by a memorable performance by an exceptional Jeff Goldblum as ill- fated scientist Seth Brundle. Goldblum brings out Brundle's ego perfectly as he boasts of his intention to create his transportation device. Even his descent into paranoia and madness is captured perfectly after the accident starts to infuse him into the "Brundle-fly". We loathe his arrogance and selfishness as Brundle isolates his former lover and other friends out of life, but we sympathize with the horrible descent Brundle undergoes throughout the film.
Playing the yin to Goldblum's yang is a well cast Geena Davis as Veronica Quaife. Davis brings a innocence and naivety to the reporter who loves the troubled scientist. However Veronica is no slouch and asserts herself when Brundle's possessiveness of her begins to suffocate her social life and work. She remains sympathetic the whole run-time and is the film's reluctant hero at the tragic climax of the narrative. This is one strong woman even if she has to do the unthinkable.
The film amps up the gore effects to marvelous fashion. Turning its lead actor into a shell of a man and eventually into a horrifying fly monster that rivals the original actual fly transformation. Dr. Brundle's transformation into a monster demonstrates his alienation from the rest of humanity even before he becomes the Brundle-fly. There's little to wonder about why the makeup team won the Oscar for Best Makeup.