Cinema
Dead Ringers
David Cronenberg · 1988
Synopsis
In Toronto, Elliot and Beverly Mantle, twins, are renowned gynaecologists specialising in fertility, and no one can tell them apart. Elliot seduces women, then passes them on to his brother without their noticing anything. Enter Claire Niveau, an actress who comes for a consultation about her infertility, whose anatomy is unusual and with whom Beverly falls genuinely in love. The sharing breaks down, drugs enter the clinic, and the more fragile of the two begins to doubt the very shape of the bodies he operates on.
Context
The film adapts Twins, a novel by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland, itself inspired by the real case of two New York gynaecologist twins, Stewart and Cyril Marcus. Jeremy Irons plays both brothers, and Geneviève Bujold the actress. A coproduction between Canada and the United States, the film was shot in Toronto and scored by the filmmaker's regular composer. It was released in France in early 1989 under the title Faux-semblants and was re-released there in a restored version in 2023.
Who it is for
One hundred and fifteen minutes, in English; a cold, clinical psychological thriller, for an adult audience only.
Prizes and reception
Ten Genie Awards, including those for Best Film, Best Direction and Best Actor for Jeremy Irons, and the grand prize of the Avoriaz festival.
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