eXistenZ (1999)

From the brilliantly twisted mind of director David Cronenberg comes "eXistenZ." What is "eXistenZ," exactly? A new male enhancement product? No, rather, it's a reality enhancement product; a new type of video-game/virtual reality experience, to be even more specific. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the programmer of said video game, while Jude Law plays her hapless protector and our surrogate as the audience. The further down the rabbit-hole Law's character goes, so too do we, until we are left dizzy and without words to describe what we just saw.Early in the film, our characters are on the run from somebody who wants to do away with this ground-breaking technology. They'll have to deal with a creepy Willem DeFoe character and deadly spores along the way, while still finding time to explore their new reality and test their limitations. Cronenberg's film pretty much hits the ground running and doesn't allow us the chance to catch our breath as it levels up. Because this is vintage Cronenberg, of course there is plenty of gooey grossness to go around, the least of which are the "portholes" that allow would-be gamers to plug in. Those crushing on the lovely Leigh may find themselves feeling somewhat conflicted about whether the "porthole" exploring is sensual or nausea inducing. Plot-wise, the film draws comparisons to other late '90s tech- thrillers like "Dark City" and "The Matrix." Heck, even the DVD box- art states that "eXistenZ" "makes 'The Matrix' look like 'Child's Play.'" Well, I don't know about all that, seeing as how I personally don't ever recall seeing a killer doll dodging bullets in that movie, but no matter. What sets "eXistenZ" apart is that it is less focused on its dystopian future and more focused on our present quandary in balancing technological advances with good old down-to- earth human experience. Like the best Cronenberg films, "eXistenZ" has a lot to say about that subject, but doesn't bludgeon or bore his audience with it. Trade the giant placenta-like sacks of skin in this film for the latest iPhone, and it's safe to say that "eXistenZ" was ahead of its time, to say the least.

(it may content spoilers) I expected much after saw the ratings and the cast but it turned out that this one essentially marked the end of the scriptwriters era while the post-matrix effects era hasn't yet started. Had at least the latter started it would save the film partially at least luring into it the die-hard sci-fi fans who don't care about any script.The thing is here we have gradually growing expectation for something big to pop up to grab the big picture... only it turns out there is certainly nothing big about it, except for the greasy playing devices looking like baby aliens. Yes, they are big time in the movie, perhaps half of it. The thing is the famous director drove some big actors in the field and focus solely on super close camera view to the characters, remember no real effects, only the good old sleazy creatures form 'The Thing'... This Focus along with much more measured characters is integral part of most of the parodies. But Existenz is not that. Nothing like 'Edward The Scissor Hands' or the Terry Gilliam staff. I tried to view it as that when i kept stopping and starting it time and times again only to discover more and more fine actors like William Defoe and Ian Holm playing small parts superbly realizing they did so only because of the short period of time in that smaller-than-it's-cast-movie. Contrary to their and leader female character's (Lee) ecstatic approach, Jude Law really managed to immerse in the whole story and look realistic. He did that by giving an outstandingly confused meta-hero performance even for his stonecold-blooded standards thanks of course to the real actor's confusion with that script. The Brit actually earned the rate of 2 i gave to that poor movie i couldn't finish after several attempts.

This is possibly one of the best movies I've seen. Ever. It is incredibly clever how everything is set out in terms of storyline that keeps you always guessing about what's going to happen next and you are so unsuspecting of the final outcome. Great cast. Great appearance, and most importantly, great storyline. Jude Law, for me stands out the most. This being one of his earlier roles, he still shines through, even sporting an American accent. Great supporting roles from Willem Dafoe and Christopher Eccleston who play minor but equally entertaining parts. The creativity that went into this movie is nothing short of spectacular. Overall great movie that should be seen by all.

If you are to enjoy this movie you must first throw all criticism out the window. Complete and utter suspension of disbelief is a prerequisite.You must not wonder why a gun made of bone that fires square teeth out a round hole without any form of propellant makes a bang, or how people with an open dime sized hole leading directly into their spine don't succumb to infection or spinal fluid loss. Nor why the lead developer/creator has no idea what her 45 million dollar game is about and only has a single copy on a device that can be corrupted simply by using it on a person who is slightly nervous.These are not inevitable problems in film making like entry wounds looking like exit wounds. This is just bad writing. And before you cry "But the ending makes all your points moot because it was all just a game!", no, no it does not. Even taking into account the fact that all but the last 5 minutes took place in a game within a game doesn't negate the fact that any semblance of a coherent plot must have remained in the soiled depths of Cronenberg's mind. Even assuming all these mistakes were foreshadowing doesn't excuse it.I remember enjoying this film when it released, but I must have been extremely high not to pick it apart scene by sloppy scene.