Videodrome
As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.
Critics Sentiment
Max develops abdominal slit and hallucinates inserting his handgun
Max shoots himself after Nicki's final new flesh message
The film peaks with its iconic body horror imagery in the middle act but crashes in the final stretch as reviewers found the ending incomprehensible.
Videodrome starts strong with compelling characters and prescient media commentary, building to memorable body horror sequences that showcase Cronenberg's distinctive style. However, the film loses coherence in its final act, with reviewers praising its ambition and visual impact while criticizing its descent into incomprehensible surrealism. The consensus reflects appreciation for the film's prophetic themes and iconic imagery, tempered by frustration with its deliberately obtuse conclusion.
Full cast
James Woods
Max Renn
Debbie Harry
Nicki Brand
Sonja Smits
Bianca O'Blivion
Peter Dvorsky
Harlan
Leslie Carlson
Barry Convex
Jack Creley
Brian O'Blivion
Lynne Gorman
Masha
Julie Khaner
Bridey
Reiner Schwarz
Moses
David Bolt
Raphael
Lally Cadeau
Rena King
Henry Gomez
Brolley
Harvey Chao
Japanese Salesman
David Tsubouchi
Japanese Salesman
Kay Hawtrey
Matron
Sam Malkin
Sidewalk Derelict
Bob Church
Newscaster
Jayne Eastwood
Woman Caller
Franciszka Hedland
Bellydancer
David Cronenberg
Max Renn (Helmet Scenes) (uncredited)
Crew
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