David Cronenberg Interviews: Conversations with a Master of Cinema

The Early Years

David Cronenberg was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1943. His father was a journalist and his mother was a pianist. Cronenberg developed an early interest in film and began making short films as a teenager. His early work was influenced by the films of Alfred Hitchcock and Ingmar Bergman. Cronenberg's first feature film, Shivers (1975),was a critical and commercial success. The film established Cronenberg's reputation as a master of horror cinema.

David Cronenberg: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series)

by David Schwartz

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2222 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	239 pages

FREE

Body Horror and New Hollywood

Cronenberg's films are often characterized by their focus on body horror. Body horror is a subgenre of horror fiction that focuses on the physical and psychological effects of bodily transformation or mutilation. Cronenberg's films explore the ways in which the human body can be both a source of pleasure and pain. His work has been praised for its realism, its psychological insights, and its unflinching exploration of the dark side of human nature.

Cronenberg emerged as a leading figure of the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s. This movement was characterized by its rejection of the traditional Hollywood studio system and its embrace of independent filmmaking. New Hollywood directors such as Cronenberg, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola pushed the boundaries of cinematic expression and challenged the social and political norms of the time.

The Fly and Videodrome

Two of Cronenberg's most famous films are The Fly (1986) and Videodrome (1983). The Fly is a science fiction horror film about a scientist who accidentally fuses his DNA with that of a fly. The film is a chilling exploration of the dangers of scientific hubris. Videodrome is a science fiction horror film about a television producer who becomes addicted to a mysterious TV show that seems to be warping his mind. The film is a scathing critique of the media and its power to control our thoughts and emotions.

Later Work and Legacy

Cronenberg has continued to make films throughout his career, including Crash (1996),A History of Violence (2005),and Cosmopolis (2012). His work has consistently challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of cinematic expression. Cronenberg is considered one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, and his work has had a profound influence on contemporary cinema.

Interviews and Conversations

Over the years, Cronenberg has been interviewed by many different journalists, critics, and filmmakers. These interviews provide invaluable insights into his creative process and his unique cinematic vision. In one interview, Cronenberg said, "I'm interested in the body as a site of transformation. I'm interested in the ways in which the body can be both a source of pleasure and pain."

In another interview, Cronenberg said, "I don't think there's anything more terrifying than the human body. It's a machine that's constantly breaking down and regenerating itself. It's a source of both pleasure and pain. It's both beautiful and disgusting. I think that's what makes it so fascinating."

David Cronenberg is one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. His work has challenged audiences, pushed the boundaries of cinematic expression, and explored the dark side of human nature. Cronenberg's interviews and conversations provide invaluable insights into his creative process and his unique cinematic vision.

Conversations with Filmmakers Series

This article is part of the Conversations with Filmmakers Series, which features in-depth interviews with some of the most important and influential filmmakers of our time. Other articles in the series include interviews with Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Spike Lee.