Naked Lunch is directed by David Cronenberg based on the novel by William S. Burroughs. After watching the film I did a little research on the book. I am under-read when it comes to the works of Burroughs and his contemporaries such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. I knew that the writings of these men were drug fuel and often times incoherent. There is a rich history of film making following the same stragities that these writers did. Bunel is a great example and to a lesser extent Terry Gilliam.
David Cronenberg seems like the heir apparent to this type of narrative structure and film making process. His earliest big hit was The Fly. Far from a typical horror or sci fi movie, yet still main stream enough to appeal to a mass audience.
I have to say though that Naked Lunch did not connect with me. I watched this movie over two viewings. Not because I was revolted or insulted in any matter. It was because without a coherent structure to follow everything in the film seemed like parlor tricks. I couldn't get invested in the story.
A few noteworthy things are the anaimatronics. They were weird as hell, but fitting with the vibe of the movie. Peter Weller is good in the lead role. He plays detached, confused and stoned very well. It is well shot. I got the feeling watching it that the director was getting exactly what he was looking for, and therefore it is a success. At least to him.
I know this film has a cult following. I suspect it is the same crowd that enjoy the source material. This is not the first film in this vein that I have watched, and I seem to have the same reaction to them. I appreciate the craft at hand, but ultimately I find them unsatisfying. I have to give Naked Lunch ★★.
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