AIDS metaphor?




WOW, i never knew this movie was aiming at that.

"You killed Captain Clown, YOU KILLED CAPTAIN CLOWN"-The Joker

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More cancer and aging than AIDS.
I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

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[deleted]

Cronenberg was aiming at something broader, more universal, and therefore more terrifying. It's not just AIDS, it's disease in general, and the way it destroys the body to turn into a factory for reproducing itself. And also aging, as Brundle seems to go through all the stages of death. AIDS was a disease that people at the time believed was limited to drug addicts, homosexuals, and a few unfortunate hemophiliacs. Age and disease eventually kill us all.

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What I like about how Cronenberg handled it is that it's vague enough that you can project your own fears onto it. I was only 12 when I first saw it and any potential metaphor was lost on me. I saw it again in the early 90s when I was in my teens and starting to become sexually active. HIV/AIDS had become a huge topic of conversation and I couldn't help but see the film through that prism. Having lost my Mom to Cancer last Fall I now see that parallel when I watch it.

The best art doesn't over-explain things because nothing is more powerful than your own interpretation.

Now playing: Street Hawk http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com

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You make a great point Fluke..

The film presents the tale of an eccentric scientist who goes through a metamorphosis... from a brilliant idealist, diligent inventor, and socially naive... then shifting to manic confidence, insatiable desires, impenetrable denial, and destructive delusions of grandeur. This peaks quickly, leading to the rapid deterioration of his only onscreen relationship, his body, and once brilliant mind. Once his sowing was complete, and his harvest fully reaped... The death of his ideals, and ultimately, his being, is fulfilled.

I believe what Fluke said to be the best way to view this story until a personal connection is made. From a storytelling perspective, it can be pretty much what I said above... but personally it is an open portal. Granted, the times speak volumes... Nothing is explicit towards what lies within the relatively broad meanings to the horror-romance.

Myself? Like the AIDs and disease mindset, mine is a common thought. I see the amphetamine side... the speedy nature of the character of Brundle, and the Frankenstein monster that develops into BrundleFly.

I have relation to Brundles personality of rational thinking, ardent ignorance to the shell he built. To me, the Pod experiment was his stage of use and not abuse. He was 'reborn'. He rode a wave that had no break. He describes this feeling to Ronnie in the cafe. Visibly he has indications of 'something amiss' (his incessant dousing of sugar into his drink). A loved one (Ronnie) notices it, but like many, shirk it off. Brundle is in a state of mania during this scene.... similar to amphetamine abuse. This proves to be more apparent, since it followed his spontaneous feats of superhuman strength. His desires become harder to quench... his diet replaced with candy bars... his attitude, defensive, and edgy. He demands to bring his loved one *up* to his level... but she refuses. He tries to entice her with words indicative of a manic plea for company, and reassurance... even saying it's a like a 'drug but perfectly benign.' As time passes... his isolation increases, along with paranoia... His loved one now acknowledges his sickness, and pleads for him to see it, and get help. Rabid denial, Brundle demonstrates his super high by smashing his own property, boasting 'Can a sick man do that?' Brundle seeks other avenues to bring *up* to his level... and to partake in his high.

Long story cut short due to responsibilities... he became a monster... an isolated creature of which couldn't even bear it's own presence... until 'the dream was over' and the 'insect was awake'. By the time Brundle was too far gone into his dilapidated state... he still possessed the features and perceived advantages in his high... Attacking Stathis... and utilizing his super human strength. By the time it's finished... he is unidentifiable... miserable, and weak (as opposed to his wave of strength and perceived superiority). He is so destitute, that his once sky high desires are now begs and pleas for the grave.

I saw parallels in myself through drug use. As in, my mentioned story points were relative to my experience. What a wonderful movie... and one that will always remain a horror, moral, and dramatic masterpiece, to me and to many. Sorry for the long winded post, but thank you if you could tussle through it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73SidPwuG78

Confound your lousy toll.. TROLL!

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The AIDS metaphor is interesting.

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His film Rabid is definitely about a sexually transmitted disease.

AIDS metaphor?

More like "leprosy".


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And yet, the only exciting life is the imaginary one. »

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Seth's physical and mental deterioration can definitely be seen as a metaphor for AIDS. Moreover, even cancer and the ravages of time and age taking their harsh and destructive toll as one gets older likewise work as credible metaphors for what happens to Seth in this film.

I've been chasing grace/ But grace ain't easy to find

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The early stages of Seth's transformation can be seen as a metaphor for drug addiction, especially with Seth's initial denial that there's something wrong with him. That's similar to junkies when they first start doing any kind of dope claiming that they are in control before their addiction worsens and they go from feeling like they are in control to being completely subservient to and hence at the mercy of whatever drug they are addicted to.

I've been chasing grace/ But grace ain't easy to find

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I never considered the drug metaphor. Very interesting. Especially with how high and full of energy he seems to be at first, only for him to come crashing down once the disease starts rearing its head.

Seize the moment, 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.

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