David Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch” (1991) is going to hit on Criterion Blu-ray on April 9, 2013. It is arguably David Cronenberg’s best film, bold, audacious, mind-bending, and against all rational thought. Rather than a regular story with clear line, it’s more like an intense dream or a bizarre journey which makes sense as long as Cronenberg leads us through it, but no logic for us to draw when it’s over.
Bill (Peter Weller) is a failed writer turned bug exterminator. He finds his wife Joan (Judy Davis) shooting up on his bug powder, and tries it himself to see if they’re as good as his wife claims. After that, his typewriter turned into a giant talking bug urging him to head to the Interzone where lost souls can rebuild their lives. Before leaving, Bill accidently shoot his wife in the head.
In the Interzone, Bill doesn’t understand what he sees or hears, but he becomes to feel good about the atmosphere there as he explores it. There he meets some of his older friends. And occasionally, he gets lost and wakes up in strange places look like junkyards.
This film is loosely based on the famous book by William S. Burroughs. It is essentially a weirdly mix of drug-induced hallucinations and fantasies. You can see no specific direction in it, only a certain atmosphere, in fact, a well-created atmosphere. Just like a strange dream that you indulge in and feel real, and absolutely not ridiculous, foolish, or out of sense.
The special features on the release include the film’s original theatrical trailer; collection of artwork and photographs detailing the special effects by Chris Walas, Inc.; production stills by set photographer Attila Dory; featurette; audio recording of William S. Burroughs reading from his novel Naked Lunch; documentary film by Chris Rodley; audio commentary with director David Cronenberg and actor Peter Weller; and more. The release also arrives with an illustrated booklet featuring reprinted pieces by films critic Janet Maslin, director Chris Rodley, critic and novelist Gary Indiana, and William S. Burroughs.
You are highly recommended to grab this BD for a whole new film experience at home, or for collection if you are Criterion fans. Once you need professional copy, backup or conversion solutions, you can always rely on DVDFab.
