13 Nights of Shocktober: The Fly (1986)

by A.J.

 

Night 9: Cronenberg Night 

“Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

 

The Fly (1986) 

 

David Cronenberg’s remake of The Fly is among the best horror movies of the 1980’s and one of the ultimate body horror movies. More impressively, it is regarded by many as one of the best remakes. The 1958 original is a classic, an excellent example of the sci-fi monster craze of the 1950’s. I think the most shocking thing about the original is that it is not campy or cheesy; instead, it plays like a dramatic tragedy. Cronenberg’s remake is effects heavy and certainly not for the squeamish, but it is such an affecting experience because the human drama matches the intensity of the visuals.

Jeff Goldblum plays Seth Brundle, a scientist who has created, in secret, a teleportation device. Geena Davis plays Ronnie, a journalist who is caught up in the excitement of new revolutionary new technology, a great story, and a handsome, geeky, but charming scientist. Of course, they fall in love, and things are going well until Brundle tests the teleportation on himself. The teleportation seems like a success at first, actually more than a success as he now feels supercharged, stronger, more energetic. He also heaps spoonfuls of sugar into his coffee without noticing. Eventually he learns that a fly was in the telepod with him and their DNA fused together, dooming him to a horrific transformation.

Cronenberg and the special effects and special makeup effects team, led by Chris Walas, do not hold back. An early failed experiment turns a baboon inside out. As Brundle’s human body decays, his skin becomes splotchy and his teeth and ears fall off. The fly creature (AKA Brundlefly) is monstrous and unsightly. There’s no denying the transformation and creature effects are very gross, but they are also very technically impressive. Walas would go on to win the Best Makeup Academy Award. 

As important as the effects are, they are still subservient to the story and the characters. Goldblum proved to be perfect casting for the requirements of the role and a good match for Cronenberg’s sensibilities. He is great at delivering Cronenberg’s dialogue and esoteric speeches about “the flesh.” He was also excited by the challenge of special effects makeup, prosthetics, and wearing a rubber suit. Geena Davis does a great job playing a normal person witnessing something extraordinary and overwhelming. Her concern and care for Brundle give the movie its emotional core. 

This version of The Fly hits so hard because of the combined effect of the horror imagery and the gut wrenching drama of the characters. Many viewers at the time and since have seen The Fly remake as an allegory for AIDS. Cronenberg was aware of these similarities but saw Brundle’s degeneration, decay, and desperate drastic attempt to stave off the inevitable as a metaphor for mortality and the aging process. Neither is a very pleasant thought, but it makes for the kind of horror film that lingers in the mind long after the credits rolled.  

 

The Fly (1986) is available to stream on Hulu and Peacock.