For Those Who Hunt the Wounded Down
Jerry Bines is trying to live down a past that includes killing a man (in self-defence), theft and an alcoholic, abusive father. He sees hope for redemption by providing life-giving bone marrow to his leukemia-stricken son. But time is running out because an escaped killer (Gary Percy Rils) is coming to town to exact revenge for ancient sins. And like the old buck in a backwoods tale he spins for his kid, Bines must stop running and turn to face his hunter.
Insights
Plot Summary
A graphic novel artist, his ex-wife, and his new lover are drawn into a surreal underworld where people undergo voluntary surgeries to transform into others. As reality blurs with fantasy, they confront their desires and the dark consequences of identity.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed reception, with critics divided on its disturbing themes and avant-garde style. While some praised its unflinching exploration of body modification and identity, others found it overly bleak and inaccessible. Audiences were similarly polarized.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its disturbing originality and Cronenberg's signature body horror.
- Criticized for its bleakness and challenging narrative.
- James Woods' performance is noted as a highlight.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's unique and unsettling premise, with many appreciating its thought-provoking exploration of identity and desire. However, some viewers found the graphic content and dark tone to be overwhelming.
Fun Fact
The film's distinctive visual style and unsettling atmosphere were heavily influenced by the surrealist artwork of H.R. Giger.
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