Videodrome (1983)

Videodrome is a Canadian science fiction body horror movie that got released in 1983.

So there is this man named Max who runs a television station that broadcasts what some deem exploitative content such as porn and violence. He accepts going on a talk show with a woman played by BLONDIE! Debbie Harry plays Nicki Brand, the love interest to the main character who is the host of an emotional distress rescue radio show. She is initially on the talk show to counter Max's depravity but instead of changing his ethics, she changed his libido. They become lovers which Max quickly finds out how sadomasochistic of a woman she is.

Max comes across a sketchy satellite signal via piracy that shows women being tortured and murdered. He's fascinated how real it looks and broadcasts it. Nicki comes across the VHS at his house and becomes intrigued enough to audition for this fictitious show. Except that Max is starting to believe that the so called "show" that had previously piqued his interest is actually real life torture aka snuff tv. Against Max's insistence, Nicki leaves for the audition. Max then investigates this disturbing underworld of the origins behind Videodrome. 

There's so much more that happens but I will refrain from potential spoilers. What a ride of a movie this is! Despite this movie being an initial box office bomb, it has since become a cult classic. The acting is decent for an 80s movie and the soundtrack is just off the hook. Absolutely something I would be way too much of a scaredy cat to watch alone at night or even WITH people. Yeah...sounds a bit contradicting from someone who claims to like horror. Eh, I've had thicker skin when I was younger. I still like the idea of me being scared shitless regardless.

I actually like horror movies that are not an insult to my intelligence, I mean I already have a low intelligence har har. I just get so tired of basic bitch horror movies where it follows the same formula, bad guy monologue, lame plot holes, it's predictable etc. I enjoy movies that really make you think and even open ended ones. Videodrome was a brutal watch but I admire the road less traveled. I don't know the origins of the red rooms (which is widely debunked) but this certainly is one of the earlier implications of one.

Disclaimers. As mentioned in the first line of my post, this is a body horror film. Basically means that there is depictions of mutilations and needle play. A lot of gore. Vivid at times even grotesque hallucinations. Handful of nudity scenes in the first half of the movie.

Not teen approved. I would never let my teenage son watch this. You shouldn't either. It's rated R for a reason. 

If this movie had a message, what would it be? Movie said it best: "The television screen has become the retina of the minds eye."

My verdict?

Now, this is horror. Peak 80s horror.

If you are interested in watching this movie, click here to see where you can watch it via JustWatch!