Scanners

The New Flesh:
David Cronenberg’s Body Horror, Part IV

After the deeply personal horror of THE BROOD, David Cronenberg returned with a more commercial effort — and a bigger budget — in what would become his breakout film: SCANNERS.

Released in 1981, SCANNERS blends science fiction, espionage, and psychic body horror into a film that’s perhaps best remembered for one legendary moment of practical effects: the infamous exploding head. But there’s more to this movie than just gore.

In this episode, we’ll trace the film’s chaotic production, how Cronenberg had to begin shooting without a finished script, and how SCANNERS helped elevate his status as an international cult filmmaker.

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Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.

This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop, and Todd A. Davis.