# Videodrome

> 1983 film by David Cronenberg

**Wikidata**: [Q747551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q747551)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videodrome)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/videodrome

## Summary
Videodrome is a 1983 science fiction horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg. The film explores themes of media manipulation, technology, and the blurring of reality through the story of a cable TV programmer who discovers a mysterious broadcast signal.

## Key Facts
- Released on February 4, 1983
- Directed by David Cronenberg
- Classified as a science fiction film, horror film, fantasy film, and drama film
- Has 33 sitelinks on Wikidata
- Wikipedia title is "Videodrome"
- Canadian production with connections to Telefilm Canada

## FAQs
What is Videodrome about?
Videodrome follows a cable TV programmer who discovers a mysterious broadcast signal that causes hallucinations and physical transformations, exploring themes of media influence and technological control.

Who directed Videodrome?
David Cronenberg directed Videodrome, marking one of his early explorations of body horror and technological themes that would become hallmarks of his filmmaking style.

What genres does Videodrome belong to?
Videodrome is classified across multiple genres including science fiction, horror, fantasy, and drama, reflecting its complex narrative that blends speculative technology with psychological and physical horror.

## Why It Matters
Videodrome matters as a prescient exploration of media's influence on human consciousness and the potential dangers of technological advancement. Released in 1983, the film anticipated many concerns about media saturation, virtual reality, and the psychological effects of technology that have become increasingly relevant in the digital age. Cronenberg's work challenged audiences to consider the relationship between technology and the human body, establishing him as a visionary filmmaker whose themes continue to resonate with contemporary discussions about media manipulation and technological ethics.

## Notable For
- Pioneering body horror elements combined with science fiction themes
- Exploring prescient themes about media manipulation and technological control
- Establishing David Cronenberg's reputation as a master of psychological and body horror
- Creating iconic visual effects that blend practical effects with psychological horror
- Being one of the first films to critically examine the relationship between television and human consciousness

## Body
### Production and Release
Videodrome was released on February 4, 1983, marking a significant entry in David Cronenberg's filmography. The film emerged during a period when concerns about media influence were growing, particularly regarding television's impact on society. As a Canadian production, Videodrome benefited from connections to Telefilm Canada, the Crown corporation involved in film and video production in Canada.

### Genre Classification
The film defies easy categorization, spanning multiple genres that reflect its complex narrative structure. As a science fiction film, it presents speculative technology through the mysterious Videodrome signal. Its horror elements manifest through body transformations and psychological terror. Fantasy aspects emerge in the surreal, dreamlike sequences, while dramatic elements ground the story in the protagonist's personal journey. This genre-blending approach has contributed to the film's lasting influence and cult status.

### Thematic Exploration
Videodrome delves into themes that were ahead of its time, examining the relationship between technology and human consciousness. The film presents television not merely as entertainment but as a medium capable of physical and psychological transformation. Through the protagonist's journey, Cronenberg explores how media can manipulate perception and reality, raising questions about the nature of truth in an age of mass communication.

### Cultural Impact
With 33 sitelinks on Wikidata, Videodrome has maintained significant cultural relevance since its release. The film's exploration of media manipulation and technological control has proven increasingly prophetic as society has become more saturated with digital media. Its visual effects, particularly the iconic imagery of the videocassette slot in the protagonist's abdomen, have become enduring symbols in horror cinema.

### Canadian Context
As a Canadian production, Videodrome represents an important contribution to Canadian cinema. The involvement of Telefilm Canada in supporting such innovative filmmaking demonstrates the country's commitment to artistic expression that pushes boundaries. The film's success helped establish Canada as a source of provocative and intellectually challenging cinema on the global stage.

### Legacy
Videodrome continues to influence filmmakers and thinkers interested in the intersection of technology, media, and human consciousness. Its themes have only grown more relevant with the advent of the internet, virtual reality, and the increasing integration of technology into daily life. The film stands as a testament to Cronenberg's visionary approach to filmmaking and his ability to anticipate societal concerns before they became mainstream discussions.

## References

1. IMDb
2. Online-Filmdatenbank
3. AlloCiné
4. FilmAffinity
5. The Numbers
6. [Source](http://www.filmstarts.de/kritiken/39375-Videodrome.html)
7. CineTV
8. [Source](https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-body-horror-movies/)
9. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086541/fullcredits)
10. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
11. The Movie Database
12. Videodrome. Rotten Tomatoes
13. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086541/releaseinfo)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Videodrome
16. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0086541/)
17. Kinopoisk
18. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/videodrome/)
19. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
20. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
21. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2023&s_month=4&e_year=2023&e_month=4&pageID=2)
22. film distribution certificate
23. Bechdel Test Movie List
24. mymovies.it
25. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/1F91-F3D7-43AC-A874-06B1-4)
26. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/89425)
27. TheTVDB
28. Trakt.tv
29. FilmVandaag.nl