The Fly (1986)

A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.

Director:

David Cronenberg

Writers:

George Langelaan (short story), Charles Edward Pogue (screenplay)

Stars:

Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz

Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jeff Goldblum	...	Seth Brundle
Geena Davis	...	Veronica Quaife
John Getz	...	Stathis Borans
Joy Boushel	...	Tawny
Leslie Carlson	...	Dr. Cheevers (as Les Carlson)
George Chuvalo	...	Marky
Michael Copeman	...	2nd Man in Bar
David Cronenberg	...	Gynecologist
Carol Lazare	...	Nurse
Shawn Hewitt	...	Clerk

Storyline

Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum), a brilliant but eccentric scientist attempts to woo investigative journalist Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) by offering her a scoop on his latest research in the field of matter transportation, which against all the expectations of the scientific establishment have proved successful. Up to a point. Brundle thinks he has ironed out the last problem when he successfully transports a living creature, but when he attempts to teleport himself a fly enters one of the transmission booths, and Brundle finds he is a changed man. This Science-Gone-Mad film is the source of the quotable quote "Be afraid. Be very afraid."

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Plot Keywords:

teleportation | woman takes off stocking | body horror | genetic alteration | metamorphosis | 

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Taglines:

There is a limit, even to the imagination, where our greatest creations meet our deepest fears. Doctor Seth Brundle is about to go beyond that limit...and he's bringing you for the ride.

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA UK Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

La mosca

Filming Locations:

135 Liberty Steet, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,007,423, 17 August 1986

Gross USA:

$40,456,565

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$60,632,088

Company Credits

Production Co:

SLM Production Group, Brooksfilms

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Keaton was offered the role of Seth Brundle, but he declined.

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Goofs

When Seth brings Veronica to his lab for the first time, he is holding a padlock in his hand. We assume, since his experiments are secret, he locks the door when they are both inside. When she is getting ready to leave - after the tape recorder incident - the door is not locked when she goes to open it.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Seth Brundle: What am I working on? Uhh... I'm working on something that will change the world, and human life as we know it.

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Crazy Credits

Jim Smash Issac Sir Guy of Hudson

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Alternate Versions

A scene where Veronica interviews Brundle about his teleportation (the interview comes after his superhuman exercise sequence) was filmed, but deleted from the final cut. However, an edited version of this scene appears in form of the first videotape of Brundle in The Fly II (1989).

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Connections

Referenced in Oz: Out o' Time (1999)

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Soundtracks

Help Me
Performed by Bryan Ferry
Written by Nile Rodgers, Bryan Ferry
Nile Rodgers and Bryan Ferry appear through the courtesy by Warner Bro. Records

User Reviews

Better than the original and one of the best horror films ever made

David Cronenberg redefined what we think of as creepy with this brilliant film. The makeup special effects and grossouts are top notch, but what is most surprising about The Fly is that it turns out to be a very well acted and emotional love story. It greatly surpasses the original '58 version.

The film focuses on the relationship between Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis at the top and once it takes its turn towards horror it really pays off. It's not just scary, it's a tragedy too. Jeff Goldblum is phenomenal. He is mesmerizing as he delivers great dialogue and once he's barely recognizable he still breaks through the makeup and you can feel the human inside. I can't believe he didn't get an Oscar for this, it's easily his best performance.

I can't express how much I love The Fly. It's more than just horror, and it's proof that you just may find a truly great movie where you least expect it.

My rating: 10/10