Scanners
Plot
In David Cronenberg's 1981 sci-fi thriller "Scanners", Cam Henderson (Michael Ironside) is a powerful telepath with the ability to control and destroy people's minds. When Cam learns that he is not alone in his abilities, he becomes embroiled in a sinister plot by a corporation called Consecend, who seek to exploit individuals with such extraordinary powers for their own gain. The film opens with Cameron Vale (Peter Stebbings), a troubled young man with telepathic abilities, being tracked down and captured by agents from Consecend. As Cameron is subjected to experiments and interrogations, he begins to realize the full extent of his powers and the true nature of the corporation's intentions. Meanwhile, Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), a brilliant but unstable scanner with a talent for destruction, has escaped from the company's clutches. Darryl becomes obsessed with Cameron, convinced that they are connected in some way and that he is destined to destroy him. As Cam struggles to come to terms with his abilities and the evil forces surrounding him, he must also confront the dark secrets of Consecend and their sinister plans for global domination. With the help of a rebellious underground movement fighting against the corporation's tyranny, Cameron sets out to stop Darryl and expose the truth about Consecend. Throughout the film, Cronenberg explores themes of paranoia, rebellion, and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy. The result is a tense, visually striking thriller that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. With its blend of sci-fi horror and social commentary, "Scanners" has become a cult classic, cementing its place as one of the most influential films in Cronenberg's oeuvre.
Reviews
Hudson
Quite the opposite of "It's Alive," "Scanners" employs telekinetic homicide, a concept practically impossible to visualize directly on screen. It relies heavily on the actors' ability to convey the extraordinary without physical props. (Also, is that helicopter shot at the 63-minute mark an homage to his own film, "Stereo"?)
Marcus
Clearly, "Scanners" foreshadows the concept later seen in Marvel's X-Men. But, the visual representation of mental control, relying solely on the actors' performances without physical aids, often feels strained and constipated. This film leans more towards "fantasy" than "science fiction," dwelling on imagination ungrounded in physical reality, akin to the unreal notions of "magic" or "inner power," making it all rather mystical and vague. It's a concept-driven piece, indeed. The depiction of the battle between superhuman psychic abilities unfolds through a series of medium and close-up shots, switching between actors. To its credit, the film ventures into political and philosophical reflection, though superficially. If one seeks a truly in-depth exploration of a computer-controlled human utopia, Fassbinder's "World on a Wire" offers a far more insightful perspective...
Hope
The green font on the screen, the state of computing in the 1980s, the Scanner as a direct connection between humans and electronic components, or rather, the internalization of mechanics within the flesh through some means. "Scanners" seems to borrow a kind of 1940s retro-futurism, without internally demonstrating this relationship. Further, the film revisits the "institute" space, a location seen in Cronenberg's earlier experimental works, where ESP phenomena are recorded and observed. However, "Scanners" does not adopt the "thesis film" mode of his early work by explaining the rationality of this theory through abundant audio-visual opposition, but rather functions as a more straightforward genre film...
Adrienne
Every Cronenberg film can be divided into a tedious 70 minutes and a mind-blowing 20 minutes that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Tucker
The ending was brutally shocking! I was completely stunned. After reading Nine Uncle's short review, it all made sense. This is indeed a martial arts film! The ending was a battle of internal energy between the two strongest masters in the world on a mountaintop...
Max
Scanners is a thrilling sci-fi horror film that explores the dark side of telepathic powers. The film's eerie atmosphere and intense action sequences keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The story delves into the sinister motives of the mysterious corporation, revealing a complex web of intrigue and deception. With its thought-provoking themes and graphic violence, Scanners is a cult classic that still captivates audiences today, leaving a lasting impact with its haunting and unsettling portrayal of psychic horror.
Esther
"Scanners, huh? You think you're the only one who can read minds with your brainwave sandwich? Try telling that to the self-checkout line at McDonald's. They've been 'scanning' my patience for months!"
