James Woods, Deborah Harry, Sonja Smits

A lowly cable TV operator begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a very unusual fashion when he acquires a new kind of programming for his station.

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80% liked it

33,014 ratings

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80% liked it

45 critics

R, 1 hr. 27 min.

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Release Date: February 4, 1983

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DVD Release Date: September 8, 1998

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Flixster Reviews (2,228)


  • October 20, 2009
    Videodrome straddles the line between sociological commentary about the media, where its going, etc and early era David Cronenberg that's so fucked up even if for no other reason than the sake of pure entertainment. The hallucinations are twisted and worthwhile, the story's smart...( read more) enough to justify any missteps that Cronenberg may have made and a naked Debbie Harry never hurts. At least it wasn't in 1983. The acting's a tad weak at times, James Woods' vagina-stomach had me scratching my head and I fell asleep twice before I managed to finally get through the whole thing. Videodrome is worth the time but not the effort...
  • September 22, 2009
    Unforgettable and disturbing sci-fi/horror! Classic Cronenberg.
  • June 29, 2009
    If I viewed my film collection like they were artifacts in a museum, Videodrome would be in a glass case in the most lavish wing. Not just because of how good it is but because I've only ever seen the one copy and as soon as I did, I snapped it up. Not very commonly talked about,...( read more) it's perhaps one of the rarest films I own. But anyway, on to the review.

    Max Renn (James Woods, a cinematic great) is looking for new programs for his station, something much more sensationalistic than he's already being showing (mostly softcore pornography). He stumbles upon Videodrome, a program that consists of people getting tortured then killed. Max becomes obsessed with this program, to the point where he starts hallucinating. To say anymore would give away important details about the final act. Suffice it to say, it's quite bizarre. But then, it's Cronenberg so that's no surprise.

    This is the first film I've seen with Woods in a leading role and it baffles me why he isn't seen in more these days. I found him out through voice overs, mostly cameos/supporting roles as himself, in shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy (coincidentally, his first appearance on Family Guy mentioned this movie) and the film Hercules. I would later finally see him in a live action performance (Riding In Cars With Boys) but to see him do the movie mostly on his own, it just reaffirms my notion that he's been overlooked. Maybe it's what he wants, to avoid the major spotlight and do character roles. If he does, well, more power to him. Just so long as he keeps making films.

    (Slight spoilers below)
    One of the greatest things about this movie is the special effects. They make even some CGI effects look like crap (League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, I'm looking at your Mr. Hyde here) and really add to the atmosphere. You have video tapes pulsating, stomachs gaining openings for video tapes (told you it was that kind of movie) and a hand literally becoming a handgun. And what would an early Cronenberg film without someone's head "asploding"? Rick Baker was the genius behind most if not all of the effects. If he didn't win some kind of award for his work, it's just one more reason to give up on award ceremonies.

    Thematically, the film explores our relationship with television, with our obsession with what it does to us, where it's taking us.
    The message I picked up, however, ties in with the old adage "forbidden fruit is sweetest". To that end, my interpretation of the message is "Pursue forbidden fruit and the person holding it will use you to their own gains". Again, I can't say too much without giving away the final act, which has made this such a hard movie to review due to its cult-like status.

    I understand the film will be getting a remake in 2011. Whether or not it should or could be remade remains to be seen. However, if it does bring attention to the original, I give a thumbs up to the discussion at the very least. Keep the talks going, get this film in the public consciousness!!
  • April 4, 2009
    Cronenberg's disturbing but intelligent mind is brought to life in a visually original film. Videodrome is a disturbing social commentary, one that may be in a dated setting, but still holds relevance. It questions the moral responsibility held by broadcasters, but also our respo...( read more)nsibility as viewers. The twisted nature of the Videodrome can be likened to today's reality TV madness. Woods is exceptional in his role, a man whom has his reality questioned by what he sees, and what he sees becomes reality. Wonderful effects bring it all to startling life and it's message is a caution rather than a preachy "Do this, don't do that". Plus vagina stomachs just have to be seen.
  • November 26, 2008
    Barry Convex: You'll forgive me if I don't stay around to watch. I just can't cope with the freaky stuff.

    A weird and graphic horror/mystery from director David Cronenberg.

    The film stars James Woods as a cable TV operator who begins to hallucinate following his experience wit...( read more)h a sick media program known as Videodrome.

    This program turns out to be a front for something bigger and Woods' character is caught right in the middle.

    I can't say this film isn't creative, but much of it is just too weird, and I consider myself pretty open minded.

    The effects are pretty cool, but I really didn't get into this movie.

    Max Renn: Have you been hallucinating lately?
    Harlan: No. Should I be?
    Max Renn: Yes, you should be.
  • November 17, 2009
    For the most part, I just don't get into Cronenberg films. They remind me of the kid in 3rd grade who had Fangoria magazine at school. You'd look at out-of-context grotesque imagery you knew deep down you shouldn't be seeing. Deborah Harry looked hot as hell, though...
  • October 24, 2009
    Super stuff! What a great film! A classic that everyone should see! Deborah Harry may not be the best actress in the world but I love her in this! Excellent!!!
  • October 17, 2009
    I enjoy the idea of a movie messing with my mind and this one did it. I never knew blondie could act.
  • October 11, 2009
    Classic Cronenburg....
  • October 5, 2009
    It's probably one of the more unique/bizarre horror movies that I've ever seen. It's refreshing to come across something completely different than anything else.

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Videodrome Trivia


  • He may have a History of Violence but this director doesn't not have The Fly on him. He had a great Alias cameo despite having a Crash into the Videodrome in the Dead Zone.  Answer »
  • in which cronenberg movie does debbie harry appear  Answer »
  • What 80s pop singer played Nicki Brand in the 1983 film Videodrome?   Answer »
  • Name the 1983 film Deborah Harry stars in with James Woods.  Answer »

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