In a bold cinematic venture, David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future” has made waves since its controversial premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where the graphic content prompted mass walkouts. Now, the dystopian film is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, inviting a broader audience to experience its unsettling narrative.
The Controversy Behind “Crimes of the Future”
Set in a chilling future where humanity has adapted to a synthetic environment, the film explores the life of performance artist Saul Tenser, played by Viggo Mortensen. Alongside his partner Caprice, he showcases the harrowing metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances, challenging societal norms and human experience in provocative ways. Kristen Stewart joins the cast as Timlin, an investigator from the National Organ Registry, who finds herself drawn into their disturbing world.
With unsettling scenes such as a child autopsy and visceral interactions where characters derive pleasure from each other’s open wounds Cronenberg’s work is not for the faint of heart. The director, well-known for his explorations of body horror, anticipated the strong reactions, stating, “There are some very strong scenes. I’m sure that we will have walkouts within the first five minutes of the movie.”
Mixed Reaction Love It or Hate It
Despite the initial uproar, “Crimes of the Future” managed to garner a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes and holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewer reactions, however, remain diverse. One fan praised it as a “truly genius movie” for its unique blend of weird cinema and art. In contrast, others expressed discomfort, labeling the film as “messed-up” and suggesting its themes ignite unsettling thoughts about the future.
One viewer stated, “The film’s tagline, ‘surgery is the new sects,’ alongside the disturbing imagery, depicts negative ideas that are not just fictional, but mirror real issues happening globally.” While another echoed, “This film is incredibly uncomfortable to watch. It’s not for everyone, and you may need a strong stomach to endure it.”
A Broader Selection on BBC iPlayer
For those seeking a different cinematic experience, BBC iPlayer offers a wealth of options, including the seven-time Academy Award nominee “The Martian.” With an impressive score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, this Matt Damon-starring film has been celebrated since its release. “The Martian” follows Mark Watney, an astronaut presumed dead and left behind on Mars, as he battles the elements for survival.
Adapted from Andy Weir’s novel and masterfully directed by Ridley Scott, the film showcases human perseverance and the will to survive, contrasting sharply with the themes in “Crimes of the Future.”
As movie lovers dive into these contrasting narratives, the dialogue around body horror and the human experience continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and eliciting profound reflections on the nature of existence. Whether you’re drawn to the avant-garde or prefer a classic survival tale, both films offer unique cinematic journeys worth exploring.
