The Fly (1986)

A brilliant but eccentric scientist (Jeff Goldblum) has created two pods that can teleport objects between them. He asks an attractive journalist (Geena Davis) to document his invention with the ultimate aim to transport a living being. Eventually, he decides to transport himself but a fly sneaks into the pod without his knowledge with horrifying results. Based on the short story by George Langelaan (previously made into a film in 1958) and directed by David Cronenberg (DEAD RINGERS). It is that rarity, a remake that surpasses the original movie. Cronenberg's film is more complex, darker and terrifying. As expected, the gross out factor is major but hey, it's Cronenberg, what did you expect? At the film's core, there is a strong romantic undercurrent and at the time, many critics saw the deformed transformation of Goldblum's character as a metaphor for AIDS which Cronenberg never intended. The film's biggest flaw to my mind is John Getz' character. As Davis' former lover he's really creepy and I couldn't possibly see what Davis ever saw in him. The potent score is by Howard Shore (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS). With Joy Boushel and George Chuvalo.