Was the movie "Dead Ringers" good?

Question

I love Jeremy Irons..wondering if it's worth a watch.

Answer 1

...it was the first time I'd actually seen Jeremy Irons star in anything, and I have to say, it was one (or rather two) of the most engaging and eclectic performances (he played twins) I'd seen in a psychological drama film, in a long time; thanks to the special effects wizards, you actually believe that twins played the roles in the film, as they are so brilliantly different in scope and character.

Director David Cronenberg, notorious for producing horror films with a penchance of melding flesh with technology, both physically and psychologically, chose a much more eclectically eccentric and psychological story, as originally written by novelists Bari Wood and Jack Geasland, and wrought a film so erotically compelling, and yet so perversely off the wall, it defies description, even in this venue.

Most highly recommended, but be ready for a mental mind ****!!!

Answer 2

Elliot and Beverly Mantle (Jeremy Irons) are identical twins that are top-of-the-class and incredibly well known gynaecologists. They also treat themselves by swapping their identities around, so they can share each other's work commitments and pleasures, like woman. But all of this comes back to destroy them emotionally and physically.

An intriguing and rather inventive premise director / co-writer David Cronenberg has come up with here. The worlds Cronenberg creates in his film's are rather fascinating in looking at the human body and technology. This film is no exception. So you can't really call this mainstream, as it's not for everyone's tastes. That's why his films seem to have great impact in the realistic visuals and material context. It's flowing with originality, good psychological elements, erotica and it holds such an artistic feel with its stunning visuals and elegance to show.

This thought-provoking drama is rather stimulating and quite downbeat. Though, it's mostly a talkative film; the dialogue is dense on many levels that it's truly captivating. It's more the material context that tries to shock and explore in a subtle way rather than the horrific visuals and shocks that we come to expect from most of Cronenberg's films. It doesn't contain much graphic moments, only about one or two. The sub-plots are drawn up quite well with dabbling in sexual desires and pleasure, technology (instruments and tools of the trade), the twins physical bond, addiction and a rather modernistic world. It's filled with sharp and intense sequences that are entrenched with an effective music score, as it overwhelmingly draws you in. This unsettling aurora builds into paranoia in the last half of the film and it ends rather disturbingly. The stylish production valves are incredibly glossy and professional. With beautifully crafted and slick cinematography. The gloomy colours that fill the screen hold great contrast in the moody and detail backdrop. From their fashionable home to their cold work office.

Jeremy Iron gives a tremendously charismatic performance playing both Elliot and Beverly Mantle. Elliot is Beverly's backbone as he's confident and arrogant. Beverly is the opposite as he's more innocent and rather sweet. Beverly wants to break the bond that they share, but Elliot can't let that happen. At first they weren't that likable, but the further the film goes along we see their downfall and there spiral into madness. That's when you start to feel for them and it gets rather emotionally charged. They also live and depend on each other, feeling what the other one feels and that's mostly pain and gloom here. This happens when they start to depend on painkillers and Beverly believing his girlfriend is cheating on him. This portrait shows how fragile they really are and how we really depend and feel when love ones are in pain and sorrow. As we are effected in the same way too. Genevieve Bujold is splendid as Claire Niveau the movie star and Beverly's love interest.

Maybe the film was a bit overlong, but this is a shockingly grim and efficient film that plays on many levels of the mind.

Answer 3

Oh yes, a terrific thriller, perhaps even better, a horror movie... also starring Geneviève Bujold.
Even though it dates back to 1988, it's not outdated because of the unusual plot and storyline which could be as modern as today's news...but, I'm not going to reveal any of the story's secrets if you haven't seen it yet...but, you WILL enjoy it.
Oh, and like they say..."Warning!...not for the squeamish!".

Answer 4

I saw it a very long time ago, and no, I wouldn't want to see it again.

Sorry.

Answer 5

It is great, but you will never trust your gyno. again after you see the movie...

Answer 6

yes it was quite bi zarre youve got to see it