Scanners

The concept of "Scanners" is veiled by David Cronenberg's pure bizarreness, and yet, in hindsight, the film is a prophetic little thriller. What used to be a body horror film that gave special power to the next generations of political radicals is now an examination of what might occur if commercial and military firms had psychics. The outcomes turn out to be horrific!

(If you want some clearer contexts to enjoy "Scanners", then we suggest watching "The Men Who Stare at Goats", which is inspired by a nonfiction book about the US army's efforts to use hippy power and paranormal phenomena to get an advantage over our Cold War adversaries).

In "Scanners," the potential advantage these individuals sought is privatized, militarized, uncontrolled, and unleashed in a society in which the military-industrial complex has been raised to the level of a shadow government. Worse, this government is one that is readily exploited by the new psychics; Revok, the villain of "Scanners", is a typical example of a scumbag with a valid argument. You will find yourself questioning whether the villain is truly the villain after all.

Year of Release: 1981

Stars: Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%