Dead Ringers (1988)

What does it mean to watch a Cronenberg film? When his name is said to most cinefiles they think of body horror. He was the master at creating creatures stemming out of people or awesome practical effects. The Fly (1986) and Scanners (1981) both dealt with type of changes within a body to create something more than just a human body. But in the late 80's he made a film that surprisingly doesn't have that many practical effects. Dead Ringers (1988) delves into something that we don't view as anything different. He decided to tackle the subject of twins and the possible effects that one could affect the other.

The plot of the film centers around a pair of identical twin brothers, Beverly and Elliot Mantel (both portrayed by Jeremy Irons) and their involvement with one of their patients Claire Niveau (Genevieve Bujold). They are brilliant gynecologists and have won awards based on their research and contribution to the field. Beverly is the more studious and lonely type while Elliot is the confident, outgoing type. Both brothers although identical in looks could not be more different in personality, which Irons brings his all to the table to show.  Elliot becomes entranced with Claire when she comes in for a check up, not only because she is a famous television star but also because she has three uteri. For the brothers this is something that is extremely unheard of and almost never seen. After Elliot has a one night stand with Claire he passes her off to his brother. Beverly pretends to be his brother throughout their relationship but when their rouge comes to an end, she breaks up with him. This is only the beginning of a downward spiral that envelops both brothers into a true Shakespearean type ending. 

Now as I said before this film has almost zero body horror compared to typical Cronenberg fashion. As for a few parts within the film, the characteristics of what we have come to expect aren't there. The film solely relies on the characters that he creates.  It's no question that Irons carries the film by his amazing work. But something about their interaction with both the outside world and their inner struggle makes the movie quite mesmerizing. But the only problem with that is that sometimes Cronenberg because so obsessed with explaining and fleshing out his characters that it feels to run on.

Although the movie is only 116 minutes, around the middle of the film it felt as nothing was happening. It wasn't until Beverly started to truly drift into madness that the film picked up again. Just wait until he makes the "mutant" gynecology  equipment and then you will understand. But I feel like the ending also abruptly happened as well. While the film felt like it was building up to this huge climactic ending, it was really only a murmur instead of an earthquake. The ending was quite predictable as well, but what came was not as extravagant as his earlier movies. It basically finished in a whisper compared to The Fly which ended with a shotgun blast to the head.

It was nice to see the versatility of what Cronenberg can do, but it felt like the film just ran on for a bit too long. Still Irons held the movie together and made it interesting enough that you won't be bored out of your mind. Still a entertaining watch but don't expect a happy ending while watching this.

Grade: B

Genre: Drama

Cast: Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold

Rated R: Strong sexuality/ nudity, disturbing content, language and drug use

Directed by: David Cronenberg