SCANNERS (1981)

Lunkhead
Shazzan

Posts: 594

SCANNERS (1981) Apr 28, 2006 18:57:33 GMT -8

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Post by Lunkhead on Apr 28, 2006 18:57:33 GMT -8

10 Seconds: The Pain Begins. 15 Seconds: You Can't Breathe. 20 Seconds: You Explode. ~ one of the film's taglines.

David Cronenberg's SCANNERS is an excellent sci-fi thriller from the early '80s. It deals with special people known as scanners, who have enormous mental powers. Some are benevolent, others not. The film features outstanding performances from Patrick McGoohan and Michael Ironside, plus special effects which are unforgettable. Howard Shore's score is another highlight, hitting the mark dead on with its tense, unnerving approach.

"You're a scanner, which you don't realize, and that has been the source of all your agony.

"You're not cooperating Cam."

"We're gonna do this the scanner way."

The ending sequence is particularly amazing.
Any other SCANNERS fans out there?

"I'm telling you man. Who is on first."

Xenorama ™ Warrior of Fire Daci's human Pinky, you are a fistful of stupidity. Posts: 82	SCANNERS (1981) Apr 28, 2006 19:17:05 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Xenorama ™ on Apr 28, 2006 19:17:05 GMT -8 i've never seen the entire movie, just the "good" parts. it seems really cool, though!
	"One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives." Mark Twain Project: Marine Boy Entire Collection

Lunkhead
Shazzan

Posts: 594

SCANNERS (1981) Apr 28, 2006 19:28:26 GMT -8

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Post by Lunkhead on Apr 28, 2006 19:28:26 GMT -8

It's definitely worth revisiting Megs. I hadn't seen it in years, but picked up the DVD from BestBuy for $10 bucks recently. After watching this and AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON a week ago, I was reminded how cool some of the '80s effects were. Afterward, I passed by a current TV fantasy show (don't even know its name) about witches/sorcerers or something like that. Every effect was CGI created - appearing and disappearing/magic spells, etc, and all so glaringly unrealistic. Yech, older effects are so much better.

"I'm telling you man. Who is on first."

Zone Fighter Shazzan Zone Double Fight Posts: 2,119	SCANNERS (1981) May 3, 2006 1:43:41 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Zone Fighter on May 3, 2006 1:43:41 GMT -8 I recall not liking Scanners. Which is odd because I usually like Patrick McGoohan.

Lunkhead
Shazzan

Posts: 594

SCANNERS (1981) May 3, 2006 8:29:08 GMT -8

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Post by Lunkhead on May 3, 2006 8:29:08 GMT -8

After my first viewing, I don't remember being particularly blown away (if you'll forgive the pun). I thought it was decent, but not what I'd expected. The film really grew on me after watching it a couple more times.

Many reviewers have a problem with the lead, Stephen Lack. He's actually more a painter by trade, who does occasional films. I thought he was pretty good during the "scanning" moments, and could accept him as fairly emotionless during the regular scenes, since his character started as a street derelict. Patrick McGoohan and Michael Ironside are the ones who really shine here.

There are some odd sequences here and there [ie: scanning a mainframe] and a few slow moments, but I still think the overall film is terrific. I love the musical score and the ending scenes are fantastic.

NOTE: The current DVD is a 2001 release from MGM. No frills - just the film and trailer. The widescreen picture quality is very good, but the audio goes slightly out of sync during the last 20 to 30 minutes making it appear dubbed. At first I thought it was my player, but I've read many reviews online citing the same glitch. It's still very watchable though. I hope someday they correct it with a special edition including bonus material.

"I'm telling you man. Who is on first."

Post by Lunkhead on Apr 28, 2006 18:57:33 GMT -8

Post by Xenorama ™ on Apr 28, 2006 19:17:05 GMT -8

Post by Lunkhead on Apr 28, 2006 19:28:26 GMT -8

Post by Zone Fighter on May 3, 2006 1:43:41 GMT -8

Post by Lunkhead on May 3, 2006 8:29:08 GMT -8