VIDEODROME (David Cronenberg, Kanada/USA 1983)

In the organizer's words:

Sat 24.8., 21h & Sat 31.8., 21.15h
VIDEODROME David Cronenberg Canada/USA 1983 DCP English OF 88'

In a mixture of morbid symbolism and body horror, David Cronenberg's film, inspired by Marshall McLuhan's cultural theory ("The medium is the message"), deals with the mind game: What are the most radical excesses the media landscape could take on? Max, operator of a private cable station in Toronto, comes across the Videodrome channel, which combines violent pornography with political propaganda, while searching for the next sensational content. While trying to track down the ominous channel, he meets radio presenter Nicki (Debbie Harry), who has a penchant for S&M and wants to apply to Videodrome as a performer. Through media professor O'Blivion, who communicates only through pre-recorded videotapes, Max believes he can make contact with the station, but is warned about the ideology of the operators and further research. The acts of violence broadcast are not staged, but snuff videos of supposedly real murders. (hjf)