by Patrick Chapman

Sonic Bond Publishing

A concise overview of the works of director David Cronenberg.

At just under 150 pages, Patrick Chapman’s pocket guide to the Canadian master of body horror packs in a lot of content, covering his body of work from 1966’s Transfer to 2014’s Maps to the Stars, with a whole load of additional info too.

Following a set format for each entry, this book is essential as a ‘dip in and out’ resource as required. Production credits are followed by background information about the project, then a detailed synopsis of the story and finally a commentary on its success (or otherwise).

But where this work really shines is in its extra titbits of information like the aborted projects that were not to be (I’d love to have seen his Return of the Jedi or Total Recall), as well as the exhibitions and retrospectives created in Cronenberg’s honour, and the awards and honours he garnered across his career.

Sixteen pages of colour stills and posters add some visual content to the copy, and I appreciated the asides about his novel, acting appearances (including Star Trek Discovery) and some of the remakes and sequels to his works, including the operatic version of The Fly. And how useful to have a list of the best available home entertainment releases of the films in different territories.

Verdict: Long live the new flesh! There are longer, more academic studies into David Cronenberg’s output, but as an accessible, enthusiastic, easy-to-follow guide, this publication offers much more than its modest size suggests. For passion and knowledge of his subject, there’s no flies on Patrick Chapman… apart from that one in the telepod. 8/10

Nick Joy

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