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Spider (David Cronenberg, Canada/UK, 2002) August 22, 2006

Posted by Daniel Stephens in : Horror, 1970s, Drama, Film reviews, Thriller/Suspense, Sci-fi/Fantasy , trackback

Dir. David Cronenberg, screenplay by Patrick McGrath, starring Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne

The most interesting thing about Cronenberg’s 2002 film is how he captivates the viewer with little to no dialogue. This, coupled with a strong performance from Ralph Fiennes, makes for an enthralling examination of childhood devastation, familial conflict, and the trials and tribulations of a mentally disturbed man. Of course, it doesn’t always work – the lack of dialogue at times makes the film a difficult proposition, asking a lot of investment from the audience. Yet, Cronenberg uses subtle references to imply certain events in Fiennes’ character’s past, gradually bringing forth a mysterious history that has made him what he is. The film is less commercial than the director’s 2005 ‘A History Of Violence’, but it rewards the intuitive viewer.

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