Article Post 1: Cronenberg

Robert Koehler's article, "Eastern Promises," is an examination of not just the film, but rather more in the way of its director, David Cronenberg. As a filmmaker he is known primarily for his obsession with the body, both its shape and how it functions as a whole, which has been a consistent theme in his horror films, a genre for which he is typically associated. However, with A History of Violence and more recently, Eastern Promises, Cronenberg has found his place as a filmmaker of nuance, detail, and emphasis on character and story. What intrigues me about this article is not necessarily Cronenberg himself or the films he has made, but rather the idea that as an artist, it is possible and typical to change gears in one's work at a certain point in a career. David Cronenberg proves to be a prime example of a filmmaker who dares to try something new. Many filmmakers like to play their work safe by not changing their approach to cinema, but instead sticking to their own conventions. Perhaps one of the most curious aspects of the article is the mention by Koehler of Cronenberg's writing habits. His previous films, including all of those in the horror genre, were written by Cronenberg himself. However, his last two films, both rich character studies concerned with the narrative plot, were written by other artists. I think Cronenberg has found his current niche partly due to the fact that he has recently been looking at other artists' screenplays from an outsider's perspective. I think that it is this objective viewpoint and detachment from the original work that allows him to incorporate his most vivid and intriguing ideas.