Videodrome

Name: Videodrome
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Horror
Released: February 4, 1983
Duration: 87 min
Rating: 58
Cast: Deborah Harry, James Woods

1983

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 148 Ratings

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5.4	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 148 Ratings

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Videodrome

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: February 4, 1983 | R

Starring: Deborah Harry, James Woods

Summary: Sci-fi horror filmmaker David Cronenberg's diabolical invader is a television show that seduces and controls its viewers. Featuring rock star Deborah Harry (in her first major film) as a kinky hostess, James Woods as a cable programmer looking for the ultimate in viewing thrills, and special make-up effects by Oscar-winner Rick Baker,Sci-fi horror filmmaker David Cronenberg's diabolical invader is a television show that seduces and controls its viewers. Featuring rock star Deborah Harry (in her first major film) as a kinky hostess, James Woods as a cable programmer looking for the ultimate in viewing thrills, and special make-up effects by Oscar-winner Rick Baker, Videodrome is a pulsating science fiction nightmare about a world where video can control and alter human life. (Universal)… Expand

Director: David Cronenberg

Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Horror

Rating: R

Runtime: 87 min

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Critic Reviews

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not credited)

A fascinating rumination on humanity, technology, entertainment, sex, and politics that is virtually incomprehensible on first viewing and needs to be seen several times before one can even begin to unlock its mysteries. (Review of Original Release) Read full review

Staff (Not credited)

Film is dotted with video jargon and ideology which proves more fascinating than distancing. And Cronenberg amplifies the freaky situation with a series of stunning visual effects. (Review of Original Release) Read full review

Scott Tobias

Its dense mysteries remain more tantalizing than distancing: No other director integrates the creepy with the cerebral quite like Cronenberg. (Review of DVD 9/13/04) Read full review

Janet Maslin

Though Videodrome finally grows grotesque and a little confused, it begins very well and sustains its cleverness for a long while. Read full review

Dave Kehr

Never coherent and frequently pretentious, the film remains an audacious attempt to place obsessive personal images before a popular audience--a kind of Kenneth Anger version of "Star Wars." (Review of Original Release) Read full review

Roger Ebert

The characters are bitter and hateful, the images are nauseating, and the ending is bleak enough that when the screen fades to black it's a relief.. Videodrome, whatever its qualities, has got to be one of the least entertaining films of all time.

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User Reviews

BlancoA.

Oct 28, 2005

Death to Videodrome! Long live the new flesh! (Great freakin' movie).

0 of 1 users found this helpful

Mirrormantiz

Jun 6, 2022

One of the greatest horrorfilms ever, story is still ahead of it's time. Be preparedfor deep stuff with subliminal messages and truth about human behaviour than just a movie to watch.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

troubador127

Sep 24, 2013

I first saw this movie about 5 years ago, and I find something new about it each year when I watch it again in the fall. Creepy, and makes you question everything.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

MattBrady99

Oct 31, 2017

"Death to Videodrome! Long live the new flesh!"

David Cronenberg is an unpredictable force that even after watching most of his films, you still don't get use to the usual trademarks. In "Videodrome", he focus on what viewers enjoy the most in entertainment. Sex in romance, violence in"Death to Videodrome! Long live the new flesh!"

David Cronenberg is an unpredictable force that even after watching most of his films, you still don't get use to the usual trademarks. In "Videodrome", he focus on what viewers enjoy the most in entertainment. Sex in romance, violence in horror, and the mystery that drives the plot forward. He sometimes knows us too well, it's scary.

Even after it's over the movie leaves you questioning and having this dark impression on you. Everything is f**ked up and you can't help to look on. TV messes up the mind, but movies can make you maniacs.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

Voodoo123

Nov 2, 2022

Provocative psychological mystery thriller explores modern culture and the idea of indulgence and the effects of consuming content that impacts the human psyche as we seek to thrill and indulge ourselves. Fascinating visual effects with cronenbergs trademark body horror imagery. The cast,Provocative psychological mystery thriller explores modern culture and the idea of indulgence and the effects of consuming content that impacts the human psyche as we seek to thrill and indulge ourselves. Fascinating visual effects with cronenbergs trademark body horror imagery. The cast, production quality and soundtrack are excellent although some of its hasn't aged very well in 2022.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

billplanet

Jul 3, 2019

I watched this film many times after it was released but saw it again the other night for the first time in about 30 years. I was surprised to see how well it still holds up and was able to draw me into its story.

I wouldn't put this up with The Dead Zone, The Fly or Dead Ringers as far asI watched this film many times after it was released but saw it again the other night for the first time in about 30 years. I was surprised to see how well it still holds up and was able to draw me into its story.

I wouldn't put this up with The Dead Zone, The Fly or Dead Ringers as far as execution goes, but the ideas and creepy vibe are prime Cronenberg. Rick Baker's effects work and the acting are top notch for the era.

Check this out if you want a disturbing (if a little dated), thought-provoking puzzle of a movie to watch.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Fortifier

Jan 25, 2017

What the hell is this crap?!

I get it; the film is portraying a strong and important message of the dangers and perversions of mass media as well as the corrupt perversions of humanity, but you really don't need to show explicit hardcore pornography and straight-up torture half the timeWhat the hell is this crap?!

I get it; the film is portraying a strong and important message of the dangers and perversions of mass media as well as the corrupt perversions of humanity, but you really don't need to show explicit hardcore pornography and straight-up torture half the time just to get the point across!

What sickens me even more is that people actually find this film enjoyable! What is wrong with you people?!… Expand

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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