Scanners (1981)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: Scanners

Tagline: 10 Seconds: The Pain Begins. 15 Seconds: You Can’t Breathe. 20 Seconds: You Explode.

Genre: Science Fiction, Horror

Director: David Cronenberg

Cast: Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill, Michael Ironside, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, Robert A. Silverman, Lee Broker, Mavor Moore, Adam Ludwig, Murray Cruchley, Fred Döderlein, Géza Kovács, Sonny Forbes, Jérôme Tiberghien, Denis Lacroix, Elizabeth Mudry, Victor Désy, Louis Del Grande, Anthony Sherwood, Ken Umland, Anne Anglin, Jock Brandis, Jack Messinger, Victor Knight, Karen Fullerton, Margaret Gadbois, Terrance P. Coady, Steve Michaels, Malcolm Nelthorpe, Nicholas Kilbertus, Don Buchsbaum, Roland Nincheri, Kimberly McKeever, Robert Boyd, Graham Batchelor, Dean Hagopian, Alex Stevens, Neil Affleck, John Brasington, Chris Britton, Jack Canon, Richard Chapman Jr., Leon Herbert, William Hope, Thomas Kovacs, Michael Maloley, Ian McQue, Chuck Shamata, Sam Stone

Status: Released

Release: Jan 13, 1981

Runtime: 103

Plot: After a man with extraordinary, and frighteningly destructive, telepathic abilities is nabbed by agents from a mysterious rogue corporation, he discovers he is far from the only possessor of such strange powers. Some of the other “scanners” have their minds set on world domination, while others are trying to stop them.

"Scanners," released on January 13, 1981, is a quintessential example of early 1980s science fiction horror, directed by the master of body horror, David Cronenberg. This film is particularly notable for its groundbreaking special effects, especially the infamous head explosion scene, which has become iconic in the genre.

The movie explores themes of telepathy and corporate espionage, with a narrative centered around individuals known as "scanners" who possess telepathic and telekinetic abilities. The film's tension and horror are amplified by a chilling score composed by Howard Shore, who frequently collaborated with Cronenberg.

Michael Ironside's performance as the antagonist, Darryl Revok, is particularly memorable, bringing a menacing presence to the screen. The film's exploration of mind control and power dynamics reflects broader anxieties of the era, such as fears of unchecked corporate power and the potential misuse of technology.

"Scanners" not only captivated audiences with its visceral special effects but also laid the groundwork for Cronenberg's further explorations into the fusion of technology and the human body, themes that would continue to define his career.