Sometime in the future, game-pod goddess Jennifer Jason Leigh (as Allegra Geller) has created "eXistenZ" (spelled with a "
capitol X, capitol Z
"); it's a virtual reality game. During the public introduction of the "eXistenZ" game, some rival gamers seemingly attempt to assassinate Ms. Leigh. Good-looking, but game shy security guard Jude Law (as Ted Pikul) saves Leigh. While fleeing mysterious forces, Leigh teaches novice Law how to play games. Soon, they (and you) don't know reality from virtual reality.
Writer/director David Cronenberg successfully creates an intriguing and imaginative science fiction world; however, his obvious sexual allusions are a little too PG-13 for an R-rated need. Leigh and Law handle the increasingly duplicitous story expertly. Heavily accented Don Mackellar and grease monkey Willem Dafoe have two of the film's more showy supporting roles. Many of the smaller roles, like the one played by Robert A. Silverman, are noticeably fine-tuned. My "bio-port" would have been more satisfied with a stronger third act; but, Cronenberg is undeniably fun to play with.
****** eXistenZ (2/16/99) David Cronenberg ~ Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe
Writer/director David Cronenberg successfully creates an intriguing and imaginative science fiction world; however, his obvious sexual allusions are a little too PG-13 for an R-rated need. Leigh and Law handle the increasingly duplicitous story expertly. Heavily accented Don Mackellar and grease monkey Willem Dafoe have two of the film's more showy supporting roles. Many of the smaller roles, like the one played by Robert A. Silverman, are noticeably fine-tuned. My "bio-port" would have been more satisfied with a stronger third act; but, Cronenberg is undeniably fun to play with.
****** eXistenZ (2/16/99) David Cronenberg ~ Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe