David Cronenberg is perhaps one of my favorite directors of all time. Everything I've seen from him is fascinating and thought provoking. From his breakthrough films, "The Dead Zone" and "The Fly" in the 1980s, Cronenberg has really evolved as a director. When I finally got to see "Dead Ringers" with the uber talented Jeremy Irons, I was literally floored. The film is a psychological thriller and though it became creepy, it never lost my interest and kept me glued to the screen with intrigue for what was to happen next. There are still a few of his films I have yet to see but what is noticed through his recent films, "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises" is the idea of dual identities.
Through these films, strong, deeper, messages are used. In “A History of Violence,” the family that is protected by the protagonist with dual identities is seen as an allegory for our nation. The protagonist is confused and constantly asking them self, “who am I?” and this is viewed as American sentiment during the post 9/11 and Iraq War era. It is the nation that must examine itself and see itself as a protector rather than an aggressor. We are in the view that we are protecting ourselves rather than spreading global violence. The identity crisis that is experienced by the protagonist can be viewed as our nation and our inner perspectives in a globalized world. (Petersen, 2011, 6)
Cronenberg's latest film, "A Dangerous Method" just released a trailer(see below). The film analyzes Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung's relationship which later gave to the idea of psychoanalysis.
I cannot wait to see this film. However, I'm not sure about his next film, "Cosmopolis" because it is starring Robert Pattinson("Twilight"). Maybe Cronenberg sees something in him? Who knows? For a full filmography on David Cronenberg click here.
Reference:
Petersen, N. 2011. Geopolitics & Cinema. Thesis Proposal 1-16
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