Custom image of David Cronenberg over an image from Videodrome
David Cronenberg has experimented with various genres, including science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and crime. The Canadian filmmaker has made a name for himself through experimental horror films that seek to bring to life shocking depictions of violence and carnage that are enough to make even the most veteran horror buff want to look away for a few moments. However, Cronenberg is notable because of his sense of innovation, as, generally, his films can’t be pinned down as just one thing.
What Is ‘Videodrome’ About? Videodrome is set within the era-accurate world of UHF broadcasting in Cronenberg’s hometown, Toronto. James Woods stars as Max Renn, the cynical president of the broadcasting station CIVIC-TV. Renn is responsible for finding shocking programming, including snuff films. When CIVIC-TV's satellite operator, Harlan , shows him a Malaysian signal called "Videodrome," he’s instantly hooked.
Although there’s an element of sci-fi that is introduced later on in the story, the idea of radicalization through media addiction was ahead of its time. Too often in the recent news cycle, we hear about how violent cults indoctrinate new members by gradually exposing them to content that is presented as “entertainment.” According to the official definition given by Interpol, “terrorists use social media for radicalization, recruitment, funding, planning, and execution of terror activities.
Cronenberg shows how this selectivity creates an obsessive impulse within Renn. He's not a likable character in any sense of the world, but Cronenberg slowly makes his alienating nature feel more robotic. By the time Renn realizes that Videodrome isn’t fictitious, he’s already converted his entire schedule to center around watching. He anticipates how each torture video will be different. Videodrome encourages him to think creatively.
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