The Fly (1986)

IMDb plot summary: A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.
Directed by David Cronenberg. Starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, and John Getz.

(Spoilers ahead.)

I watched the original 1958 version of The Fly earlier this year, and these could not be more different in tone. The original brought to mind a comparison with Shakespearean tragedy or ancient myths -- a noble genius brought to a tragic end by his hubris. This one is much ickier, less noble, and if it's a commentary on anything, I feel it's much more about male/female relationships. Both male characters in this are such unpleasant characters (even before one of them is turned into a monster). In the original, we sympathize with the scientist, despite his terrible decisions. In this one, Geena Davis is the only one to root for, and she's really great, but it's upsetting to see her tossed from awful man to awful man when I wish she'd be given a little more agency instead of somehow giving her creepy boss the role of hero.

Random other thoughts: The body horror visuals are horrifying and effective. The final scene is deliciously terrifying. I'm disturbed that we never learn what happens to the baby, unless they were deliberately trying to leave it open for a sequel, in which case, bleh. Not as emotionally powerful as the original.

3 stars.

How it entered my Flickchart:
The Fly > George of the Jungle
The Fly < Split
The Fly > At First Sight
The Fly < Husbands and Wives
The Fly < Dawn of the Dead (1978)
The Fly > The Major and the Minor
The Fly < Borstal Boy
The Fly > Malcom X
The Fly > Monsters
The Fly > Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)
The Fly < The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle

Final spot: #945 out of 2679.