Dead Ringers (1988)

Written by Bari Wood, Jack Geasland

Directed by David Cronenberg

Running Time: 115 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1988

Rating: 18 Certificate

Filmed in Colour

This powerful and highly disturbing psychological thriller, directed by David Cronenberg and starring Jeremy Irons and Geneviève Bujold, works extremely well. It doesn't need too many special effects; the premise - of twin gynaecologist brothers, one whom is successful with women and passes them over to his brother when he's bored with them - is disturbing enough, but then, when the shy brother falls in love, it gets seriously out of hand as they begin a terrifying descent into drugs and madness.

If that wasn't enough, Irons produces a powerhouse performance, playing both the twins Beverly and Elliot Mantle. Add in Bujold as the famous and infertile actress who's torn between the two brothers, and you've got a belter of a movie.

Highly recommended.

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Cast

Jeremy Irons		Beverly Mantle/Elliot Mantle
Geneviève Bujold		Claire Niveau
Heidi von Palleske		Cary
Barbara Gordon		Danuta
Shirley Douglas		Laura
Stephen Lack		Anders Wolleck
Nick Nichols		Leo
Lynne Cormack		Arlene
Damir Andrei		Birchall
Miriam Newhouse		Mrs. Bookman
David Hughes		Superintendent
Richard W. Farrell		Dean of Medicine
Warren Davis		Anatomy Class Supervisor
Jonathan Haley		Beverly at 9
Nicholas Haley		Elliot at 9