Fast Company

Surprisingly not terrible. It actually manages to build some tension in and before racing scenes, and the cinematography is top-notch. But like trash TV, is funny for the wrong reasons: bad hair, scary beards and ridiculously bad music. For Cronenberg, it might fit into his oeuvre as a satire (mmm, that FastCo oil on some bare breasts...?).

Nothing special. Yet, for what it is - a movie about drag racing - it's quite servicable. Smith brings charisma (and, uncannily, the voice of present day Mickey Rourke), Jennings the looks. You probably won't remember this film for long but if you, like me, want to complete Cronenberg's filmography, it's a pleasant enough watch.

Silly. Bonus points for being partially filmed in my hometown.

In William Beard's fine study of Cronenberg's films, this one is sent off in the intro: "almost completely uncharacteristic and almost completely uninteresting". But in the context of cheapo '70s car movies this is very interesting indeed, 'colourful' dialogue overheard from the real crews; innovatively filmed, with a rigorous focus on the machines' bodies/innards (AIP anathema); and a truly memorable ending devised entirely by the director, who raced himself and remains quite fond of the film.

David Cronenberg #2

Originally I thought this was Cbergs reluctantly tame entry into American film. Bowing to a US script about a US past time to open up a few career doors down South. Turns out the guy just likes cars (see Crash). Competently shot, safe plot line, no organic-mass hibernating in the exposed uterus of an unsuspecting blonde. That said, The Brood came out the same year to appease his base urges/fans. At least a guy in a light plane gets clipped by a 200 mph funny car, but still.

The most atypical movie an atypical director could do is a total typical movie.

70.500

Cheesy B movie about how corporations try, but ultimately can't ruin things for those who really love sports. This is kind of fun, sexy, and almost self-consciously campy. FastCo's soundtrack is the guiltiest of all guilty pleasures.

A departure for Cronenberg, not as interesting as his other efforts, but not devoid of ideas or entertainment value.

So boring. Just doesn't grab my attention.

"Fans of well-crafted B movies, on the other hand, will be right at home." - Matt Noller

The most atypical Cronenberg movie. This is a race car movie, plain and simple. The story is formulaic, with characters in place mostly just to progress the plot. Where the film succeeds is how it appeals to the senses. Cronenberg's skill with showing tactility and texture, both visual and audible, is in place. He really showcases the cars and races well, giving us a sense of the speed, noise and mechanics involved. This is minor Cronenberg, but it's worth a look if you're curious.

The hair, oh my, the hair.

Not bad exactly, but boring enough that I didn't finish.