In returning to a somewhat more graphic sense of science fiction and horror film coupled together in movie, we once again look to an Airport Friend favorite with Canadian David Cronenberg‘s The Fly (1986). The 1986 film is loosely based on the George Langelaan 1957 short story The Fly and movie The Fly (1958) that followed.
The somewhat sympathetic protagonist of The Fly is Seth Brundle, as portrayed by Jeff Goldblum. Brundle develops a teleportation means that would transform the notion of transportation, if only he could make it work with living beings. We meet Brundle at a science conference where journalist Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Quaife is assigned to cultivate interesting content for a scientific magazine.
Geena Davis stars as Ronnie Quaife, initially judging Brundle as a socially awkward scientist who doesn’t get outside the laboratory all that much. Quaife agrees to look closer, receiving modest interest from her magazine editor and former love interest for spending time cultivating a magazine feature on Brundle and his work. The notion of the magazine feature and personal stories between Quaife, Brundle and editor Stathis Borans run parallel to the larger narrative that gives the movie its name.
John Getz portrayed Stathis Borans. Borans perhaps is drawn in the harshest light consistently through The Fly, yet his story serves the needs of the journey that is the horrific transformation of Seth Brundle from awkward, curious, and jaded scientist into a morally damaged monster that exists somewhere between human and housefly. That transformation for Seth Brundle initially engenders curiosity among ladies. Initially enhanced human characteristics bring about a pair of romantic evenings, including with Tawny.
Joy Boushel portrays Tawny. The role that Tawny played feels like it could have been expanded to run parallel to a compelling storyline with Ronnie Quaife. The interaction between Tawny and Ronnie is compelling, and theoretically opened an avenue to further installments of the moral considerations that drives story of The Fly to its full resolution. Suffice it to say that further exploration of the Tawny storyline, along with the other characters relevant to her, were not necessary in resolving the core questions raised with David Cronenberg‘s treatment of The Fly, in my opinion.
The transformation and resolution for Seth Brundle through the course of The Fly is perhaps the starkest part of the film in total, though the storyline surrounding questions of life, death and quality of life for Ronnie Quaife and Stathis Borans carry relevant heft as well. The graphic quality that brought many of these questions to resolution were a bit much for Lynn, my better half and viewing partner for this film. There is substance to this story for those of a mind to watch, though maybe The Fly is not for everyone. I give The Fly as presented by David Cronenberg 3.75-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.
Matt – Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Matt Lynn Digital 