The Fly (1986)
After meeting and interviewing Charles Edward Pogue, the screen writer of the fly, I thought it would be fitting to highlight “The Fly” today! Look for that interview coming soon! We had a great conversation with him and got some writing tips for you writers out there.
I decided to delve a little deeper in the “The Fly” today and dig up some information to share with you. We’ll talk about past versions of “The Fly” as well as the more recent (if you consider 1986 recent) version.
The Fly (early films and the short story)
There are few films called “The Fly” before the one we’re talking about. I found record of two films called The “The Fly” with no information about them other than they were short films and silent. One was released in June, 1913 and the other Fly was released in April, 1924. I’m not sure who starred in them either. By the date and basic logic…I’d imagine that these are not based on the same story since “The Fly” by George Langalaan wasn’t published yet.
This brings us to the story that publish in Playboy Magazine in June 1957 called….you guessed it, “The Fly.” The film from 1958 uses the same names as the original story. Andre Delambre, a brilliant research scientist, had a amazing discovery. Using a machine called a “disintegrator-reintegrator,” he could transfer matter from one location to another instantly. Of course things go horribly wrong. No one would probably want to watch a movie where everything goes well and works perfectly.
The Fly (1958)
The Fly (1958)
The next movie called “The Fly” was released in 1958 and starred non other than Vincent Price, Patricia Owens, David Hedison, Herbert Marshall, Kathleen Freeman, Betty Lou Gerson and Charles Herbert. It was directed by Kurt Neumann. It was also based on the story by George Langelaan. If you’ve seen the 1986 version, this will sound very familiar.
This is the story of a scientist experimenting with a matter transference. This is a little different… He exchanges one arm and his head with that of a fly which was in the transfer chamber. I like the trailer. They don’t show much but it really draws you to want to watch the movie…which is exactly what a trailer should do.
The Fly (1958) – Trailer
Here are a few reviews if you’d like to learn more about the 1958 version of “The Fly.”
14. The Fly (1958) Monster Madness 2009 review
Monster Madness T-Shirts now available! www.cinemassacrestore.com
Mr. Movie: The Fly (1958) (2nd 50's Sci-Fi Review of 3)
The Fly (1958) (2nd 50's Sci-Fi Review of 3). It's time to dig up another 50's classic. I'm doing individual reviews of three classic 50's Sci-Fi's, each themed around one of the main Sci-Fi sub-categories, exploring the unknown, …
Publish Date: 05/20/2011 15:59
http://mrmovierbknapp.blogspot.com/2011/05/fly-1958-2nd-50s-sci-fi-review-of-3.html
The Fly (1958) – or – Help me, help me! | The Film Reel
The Fly (1958) – or – Help me, help me! Posted on July 25, … I'm sure I could get into a huge discussion on the state of remakes now and why they used to do them better but I'll try to just focus on the review. For a film that …
Publish Date: 07/25/2011 12:03
http://www.the-filmreel.com/2011/07/25/the-fly-1958-or-help-me-help-me/
The Fly (1986)
Now…for the 1986 Version of….”The Fly”…Be afraid….Be very afraid! Was that dramatic enough? The 1986 version was directed by David Cronenberg. Long time Mutantville fans will know that this is one of Streebo’s favorite directors. This version is also based on George Langelaan’s short story. As stated earlier, the screen play was written by Charles Edward Pogue and stars Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz.
This version also involves a scientist, this time named Seth Brundle, that also tries to use a matter transport device. This differs from the 1958 version in that he doesn’t just have a fly arm and head. A fly enters when he is transporting himself and I’m assuming the fly DNA mixes with his own and bad things start to happen. Below are some trailers, clips and reviews.
The Fly (1986) – Theatrical Trailer
Theatrical trailer for David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986). “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong. Directed by David Cronenberg….
Here is a cool behind the scenes video!
The Fly (1986) – Behind the Scenes_Part 1
Making of the “Spacebug” scenes
The Fly (1986) – Behind the Scenes_Part 2
Making of the “Spacebug” scenes
The Fly (1986) « Cinema Sights
Writer/Director David Cronenberg understanding of two ideas shapes The Fly into the masterful horror flick that is able both the endear the audience to its cast and then revolt them with the disgusting events that follow. …
Publish Date: 08/19/2011 16:56
http://cinemasights.wordpress.com/2011/08/19/the-fly-1986/
The Fly (David Cronenberg, 1986)
This gross-out masterpiece exploits its extreme elements for a thought-provoking study of flesh.
Publish Date: 08/02/2011 4:54
http://www.tkatthemovies.com/posts/the-fly-david-cronenberg-1986/
Captain 69s Retro Movie Reviews: The Fly (1986)
The Fly (1986). If you've ever wanted to watch Jeff Goldblum's face melt off while he's vomiting on donuts, have I got a movie for you! This is a great and underrated (and disgusting) horror movie of the 80s. The make-up effects …
Publish Date: 07/16/2011 9:41
http://captain69sretromoviereviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/fly-1986.html
The Fly Opera
In 2008, an opera that was based on the “The Fly” movie from 1986. It was developed by Canadian composer Howard Shore. It was commissioned by the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Howard Shore also wrote the unrelated score for the film. The opera starred Daniel Okulitch, Ruxandra Donose, David Curry (in Paris), Gary Lehman (in Los Angeles) and Jay Hunter Morris. Here is a preview and an interview with Howard Shore.
The Fly Preview. Los Angeles opera: Daniel Okulitch
Promo reel from LA Opera’s 2008 production of Howard Shore’s The Fly, directed by David Cronenberg, conducted by Placido Domingo, starring Daniel Okulitch, Ruxandra Donose, Gary Lehman.
Howard Shore about The Fly Opera
Howard Shore talks about his “The Fly Opera” based on the Cronenberg movie
What is your favorite version of “The Fly?” Below are some of the various versions of The Fly!
