Scalpel, Please

A brilliant but disturbed surgeon undergoes experimental plastic surgery to alter his appearance after a car accident. As he recovers, his new face brings him into contact with people from his past, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. He grapples with his identity and the consequences of his drastic decision, leading to increasingly disturbing events.

Scalpel, Please was a moderate commercial success and received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth. Some found the film's pacing deliberate, but many lauded Cronenberg's signature blend of body horror and existential dread. Audience reception was polarized, with some embracing its disturbing themes and others finding it too intense.

• Praised for its disturbing psychological exploration and Cronenberg's unique visual style.

• Commended for strong performances, particularly from the lead actor.

• Noted for its unsettling themes of identity and body modification, which can be challenging for some viewers.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's disturbing and thought-provoking narrative, highlighting its intense atmosphere and psychological complexity. Some viewers found the subject matter quite dark and unsettling, but the majority agreed it was a memorable and impactful viewing experience.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The distinctive, pulsating sound design throughout the film was achieved by recording modified recordings of human heartbeats and digestion.