dead ringers (1988). directed by david cronenberg.

i watched this movie once a year. it's a ritual thing. i like the nonsensical things about people, and in this film, about a pair of identical twin gynecologist brothers (both men played by jeremy irons) who were co-dependent like they were attached to one body. one of them became involved with an actress and as the relationship grows, he tried to get away from his brother - to be on his own and be his own man. despite wanting independence, he grew restless at the prospect of being away from his brother, both of them degrade into limbo because breaking up is so hard to do. i know all of this is perhaps a bit too dramatic - but it is a metaphor of co-dependency - when you are too attached to something or someone, and perhaps it is no longer good for you, but you just can't leave. this film explores the complex psychology behind unhealthy co-dependency in any relationship - why they are in it, why they can't leave and how identities tend to dissolve in a relationship. are we still our own person?

count on cronenberg to make it as graphic and nightmarish as possible, but it is worth the horror. one of the most outstanding role played perfectly by jeremy irons. one man - two persons - regal, broken, in love, fear. all into one. 

creepy fact - this film is loosely based on actual events, the double death by barbiturate withdrawal of identical twin gynecologist brothers stewart and cyril marcus in new york city, 1975. read here.

400th post! ay yay yay!