Dead Ringers (1988)

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Two twin brothers, both renowned gynecologists, descend into madness after becoming romantically involved with the same woman in this disturbing, horrific drama. Jeremy Irons delivers a bravura performance as both Beverly and Elliot Mantle, Toronto-based surgeons who operate an exclusive gynecological clinic and share a reputation as brilliant innovators. They also share lovers, as the more aggressive, confident Elliott seduces women and later secretly allows the shier, more intellectual Beverly to reap the benefits. This arrangement is disturbed when Beverly falls in love with their newest conquest, Claire Niveau (Genevieve Bujold), a famous actress with an unusual gynecological deformity. Beverly's relationship with the hard-living Claire leads to him to turn away from Elliot and begin a dangerous involvement with drugs and alcohol. Elliot senses his brother's rapid decline into addiction and paranoia and attempts to save him, only to start falling victim to the same urges. Director David Cronenberg adapted the loosely fact-based tale to his own creepy purposes, tapping into primal fears regarding the uncanniness of twins and male sexual panic. His notorious gore was used sparingly here, however, with the film's most disturbing moments coming through suggestion, as in the display of a group of terrifying surgical instruments created by Beverly in his madness. Cronenberg's expertise with special effects proves crucial, however, as he and his regular cinematographer Peter Suschitzsky seamlessly combine Irons' two performances in a manner unrivalled by any previous depiction of twins. This visual achievement is more than matched by Irons, who delivers what may be his career performance, delineating the twins' differences and similarities and embodying their collapse in frighteningly believable fashion. The subject matter and chilly tone may be too intense for some viewers, but the brilliant central performance and intellectually provocative approach will prove thoroughly absorbing for others. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

115 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

David Cronenberg

Writer(s):

David Cronenberg, Norman Snider

Producer(s):

David Cronenberg, Marc Boyman, Joe Roth

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Nudity, Not For Children, Strong Sexual Content, Adult Language, Adult Situations, Violence, Profanity)

Closed Captioning:

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Subtitles:

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• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Adapted Screenplay
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Director
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Score
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Actor
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Adapted Screenplay
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Art Direction/Production Design
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Cinematography
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Sound
• 1989 - Dead Ringers - Genie Awards - Best Picture
• 1987 - Dead Ringers - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1987 - Dead Ringers - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 1988 - Dead Ringers - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor