Scanners gets a mind blowing release on Criterion blu-ray today.
 |
| "Excuse me, sir. Do you have a tissue?" |
Scanners is one of
David Cronenberg’s most underrated films; while it isn’t as good as some of his
other filmography, it showcases some of the subversive themes he became famous
for in later movies. It’s mainly a sci-fi/horror movie but Cronenberg manages
it make it a little more interesting by inserting a clandestine spy vibe into
the plot as well as some twists and turns along the way.
We follow the exploits of Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack), a
“scanner” who doesn’t understand his powers and who has relegated himself to
living on the outskirts of society as a result. “Scanners” are individuals who
have the power to read minds and to control the bodies of the people they “scan”;
often with terrifying results. Vale has to find the whereabouts of a renegade
scanner named Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside) and stop him from using his
formidable powers for evil.
 |
| "Tums........Too much Taco Bell!" |
Unfortunately, Stephen Lack puts in one of the most wooden performances
I have ever seen in a film. He does not have the presence to carry being the
protagonist and his line delivery is dull and lacks emotion. On the flip side,
Michael Ironside is outstanding as the sociopathic Revok; he basically saves
the film and is riveting every time he appears on screen.
The special effects in Scanners
are excellent and there are several gruesome sequences with top-notch make-up
and gore effects. When someone is getting “scanned” they start undergoing great
psychic and physical distress; it is very disconcerting to see them go through
it. Everything is heightened by the excellent musical score and sound design. Often
times, sound design goes unnoticed in films but when it is done well it really
enhances the experience of the movie.
The picture quality has been restored in the Criterion
Blu-ray release and it looks awesome. Everything is very crisp, clean and
bright and the general look and feel of the film has aged well. The technology
in the film is very outdated which can add some unintentional hilarity to some
scenes but that is part of the fun of watching old ‘80s flicks.
 |
| "Haaaaaa. I can see your panties!" |
There is a definite anti-corporation theme running through
the plot of Scanners and this would
mark the beginning of Cronenberg’s foray into having deeper political and
social commentary in his work. He would
dive headfirst into this concept in his next film Videodrome, and it’s interesting to see him dip his toes into it in
Scanners. While Scanners isn’t his
best film by far, it’s still worth checking out and is a decent body-horror
flick with a B movie feel. The Criterion release is highly recommended as it is
the definitive edition of this film.
-Michelle Kisner