Jeremy Irons
gives a brilliant performance as twin gynecologists -- yes, that's
right -- Elliot and Beverly Mantle. When they meet a pill-popping
actress (Geneviève Bujold) who hopes to have children, both men
spiral into madness and addiction. David Cronenberg's script and
direction mix high-tech camera work with old-fashioned suspense to
create a tangible sense of lunacy and compulsion.
CRITIQUE
Dead Ringers
is a complex psychological thriller that not everyone will “get.”
It begins with a look at the 2 brothers- Elliot and Beverly (both
played by Jeremy Irons) as children. They discuss their sexual
curiosity and are mocked by a neighborhood girl. This scene seems
to setup their strange interest and behavior with women. The
brothers are identical in appearance but completely different in
personality. Elliot is bold and outspoken while Beverly is shy and
conservative. The two brothers shared sexual partners- mainly
Claire (Bujold) who introduces Beverly
to her medication (for schizophrenia). They both become addicts
which leads to Beverly and Elliot doing character reversals near
the end of the film. One confusing aspect of the movie is Claire
displaying total anger and disgust when realizing she was being
used sexually by both twins- and then continuing to see Beverly.
The ending, like the rest of the movie, shocking and puzzling- all
the while confusing.
THE VIDEO
Warner Bros. presents
Dead Ringers in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors look
good, definition and
detail also. Grain and some specks appear on the print, but
overall it's a decent presentation. Optional subtitles
include English, Spanish and French.
THE AUDIO
Warner Bros. presents
Dead Ringers in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and 2.0
Dolby Surround. A pretty decent presentation with clear dialogue,
etc.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary by
Jeremy Irons
Behind-the-scenes
featurette
Cast/filmmaker
interviews and filmographies
Dead Ringers
Psychological Profiler (menu-based quiz)
Theatrical trailer
FINAL THOUGHTS
This movie is a
psychological thriller in every sense of the word. You will be
left deep in thought and shocked - I was left thoroughly confused.
