A blend of horror and drama, The Brood still has the power to shock.
Cronenberg dismissed the film as False, fake, candy in the bookCronenberg On Cronenberg.
This, it turns out, is only the beginning of Frank and Candices problems.
Its writing and acting are superior, too, and Cronenbergs gradual build up of tension is well-handled.
These monsters, clad in little snowsuits, are only part of what Cronenberg has in store.
In the films most infamous scene, Frank confronts Nola, who sits alone in her room.
Frank can only look on in horror.
In a film largely devoid of graphic gore, it scorches through the screen.
The result was that a lot of people thought she was eating her baby.
Thats much worse than I was suggesting.
Shes watchful, restrained, and unforgettably disturbing.
Its this aspect, perhaps, which would point the way to the next stage of Cronenbergs career.
Some criticisedThe Broodfor being reactionary and perhaps even anti-feminist.
Im not being facetious when I say its more realistic, even more naturalistic, thanKramer.
I felt that bad.
Thats why it had to be made then; it wanted to be made full blast.
Full blast is an appropriate term forThe Brood, a film that prowls patiently before it finally pounces.
