David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future is Too Gruesome for the Cannes Audience

David Cronenberg is sticking to what he knows best with his latest film, Crimes of the Future. The director is known for including graphic scenes of body horror in his movies, and his new project is no exception. According to reports from IGN, audience members began leaving the screening, which debuted Monday at the Cannes Film Festival, five minutes after the movie started. This may come as no surprise for those who have seen Cronenberg’s previous films, like The Fly and Videodrome, but his movies aren’t for those with a weak stomach. The walkouts were expected from Cronenberg, telling Deadline he expected audience members to be ‘revulsed’ by the film.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

“There are some very strong scenes. I mean, I’m sure that we will have walkouts within the first five minutes of the movie. I’m sure of that. Some people who have seen the film have said that they think the last 20 minutes will be very hard on people, and that there’ll be a lot of walkouts.”

Related: David Cronenberg Says He Approached Netflix for Crimes of the Future: ‘They’re Still Very Conservative’

Crimes of the Future May Be the Director’s Most Polarizing Film Yet

Neon

Despite the early exit by some audience members during the film’s debut, the movie managed to receive a seven-minute standing ovation, according to Variety. This would be classified as a successful screening for the director, who has been booed in the past during the debut of his 1996 film, Crash, at the very same festival.

“I’m speechless, really. I’m very touched by your response. I hope you are not kidding; I hope you mean it. I will be texting you all to see that you mean it.”

The Crimes of the Future trailer was released earlier this May, giving fans a glimpse at what to expect from the film, and proving that Cronenberg wasn’t shying away from his signature body horror, gore-filled style. The film stars Viggo Mortensen as a celebrity performance artist, accompanied by Kristen Stewart and Léa Seydoux.

Related: Crimes of the Future: David Cronenberg Expects Mass Walkouts at the Films Cannes Premiere

The official synopsis reads:

As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Accompanied by his partner, celebrity performance artist Saul Tenser showcases the metamorphosis of his organs. Meanwhile, a mysterious group tries to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.

If mutations and metamorphosis of organs aren’t your thing, it may be best to view the trailer first and see if the movie is for you. However, for fans who have been longing for a new Cronenberg film filled with violence and graphic horror, the wait is over. Crimes of the Future is releasing on June 10th in theaters across the United States.

Next: Crimes of the Future: Plot, Cast, and Everything Else We Know

About The Author

David Christopherson
(2 Articles Published)

More From David Christopherson

You can view the original article HERE.