Had it been made in the 80s... Apparently this film got a six minute standing ovation at one of those European Film events, like Cannes or something.
For what, I really don't know. Maybe the audience was so glad it was over, they couldn't contain themselves?
Don't get me wrong, I've always been a fan of Cronenberg.
He has created some amazing masterpieces, along with some real duds, this being one of those duds.
He has always pushed the limits of censors, graphic realism and disturbing content, his best works being those of the Sci-Fi and Horror genre (in my opinion).
This movie however offered nothing new as far as decent special effects or shocking scenes.
The story is muddled and not that easy to follow and seems to be incomplete, ending without warning or sense.
I'm glad Lea Seydoux replaced Natalie Portman in the lead role, otherwise there would have been no worthwhile characters at all.
Kristen Stewart took on Seydoux's original lesser role, but is almost impossible to understand as she puts on a strange sped up, out of breath, almost whispering voice. Why?
Viggo Mortenson is an extremly interesting man in real life, stuck in an oddly uninteresting role here.
His character reminded me of a tired Obi Wan Kenobi with massive indigestion.
Oh, and the "indigestion chair" made zero sense, and just appears to be some left over practical effect from Naked Lunch (1980s).
I'm sorry, but this movie left me stunned at why Cronenberg bothered.
I didn't find it artistic or newly creative, I didn't find it interesting or (good or bad) worth my time.