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Plot

Hardcore pornography, sadomasochism, mind control, and living televisions all play crucial roles in Videodrome, one of director David Cronenberg's explorations of dangerous sexuality and technological obsession. The morally questionable hero of the tale is one Max Renn (James Woods), a television executive searching for an intense new program for his sex-oriented network. He ultimately discovers an underground program called "Videodrome," which appears to broadcast pornographic snuff films of actual murders. Horrified but perversely intrigued, Renn sets out to find the truth behind the program. During his search, he meets alluring femme fatale Nicki (Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry), technology cult leader Bianca O'Blivion, and other mysterious figures. Things become even more disturbing for Renn as his addiction grows, and the program begins to infect the outside world -- or perhaps merely destroy own his sanity. Cronenberg mingles his cerebral concerns about the nature of reality in the video age with enough visceral gore (courtesy of Rick Baker) to satisfy the film's intended horror audience.
MPAA Rating:
R
Genre(s):
Fantasy,Horror,Science Fiction
Run Time:
88min.
Theatrical Release Date:
02/04/1983
DVD Release Date:
09/08/1998
Status:
In Theaters
Distributor(s):
Universal
Director(s):
David Cronenberg
Starring:
James Woods , Sonja Smits , Deborah Harry , Peter Dvorsky , Les Carlson
Themes:
Virtual Reality,Voyeurs,Technology Run Amok,Mind Games
Tone:
Cynical,Lurid,Creepy,Ominous,Satirical,Visceral,Grotesque
Keywords:
broadcasting,metamorphosis,mind-control,pornography,snuff-film,technology,television
Language:
English