A fine dose of Cronenberg, but he did better later on

It has the the signature Cronenberg oddities and a sense of irresistible filth to it. But it feels kind of old, clumsy and slow by today's standards. Some of the imagery in this movie came back in later work that I found more complete and better executed.

Familair but with it's own sauce

Story wise it is familiar material, but the scares are quite subtle and less hysteric than usual. I liked the Spanish vibe on this and especially the three kids were great. But why it's hailed as one of the scariest movies ever made, I have no idea. The music sounds outdated and isn't helping.

Too sterile to make me care

I guess this inside look into the world of art management and competition for the rich make it worthwhile, but the things going on later are not shocking, strange or thought-provoking enough to really take it to a higher level - They left me as cold as the characters themselves.

Kills it's darlings

Much to my regret, this movie kills most it's wonderful, imaginative and tasteful scenes, by endlessly dwelling in them. The unprofessional and unlikely science guy and his motivations are also a dissonant I wished they had left out. Too bad, as this had potential for becoming a mesmerizing gem.

Somber viking tale

This somber, raw and quiet movie, only occasionally augmented by bearded vikings mumbling a few words, is quite a slow burner but is intense nonetheless. It worked for about 3 quarters in, after which I started longing for some action or plot development. Still, a nice change of pace.