Reviews of Jeff Goldblum’s performances in films
by Susan Panaway

The Fly (1986)
Directed by David Cronenberg

The Fly begins at some swanky scientific gala. Jeff Goldblum graces the scene as Seth Brundle, a wide-eyed and secluded scientist interested in teleportation. He’s got brains, bronze, and a super 80’s tech-inspired lair. There’s no doubt about it…Seth is a genetically gifted gentleman. However, there are two things missing in Seth’s life: love and a successful career in science. Seth quickly catches the eye of Veronica (Geena Davis), a reporter anxiously searching for the next big juicy story. He impresses Veronica by taking her out for cheeseburgers and teleporting her stockings. What a man. At this point, I’m completely on board for scenes of Goldblum’s signature speech pattern, toned skin, and long wavy locks, but I get a monster instead.

When Seth begins searching for a way to successfully teleport living things, the film takes a turn for the gross. Goldblum transforms into Grossblum aka Brundlefly. Initially, Brundlefly experiences only behavioral changes (i.e. including a sweet tooth and increased sexual desires). That I can handle. Then things get gross. Really gross. We’re talking falling body parts, vomit, and skin rashes. The remainder of the film is basically a sickening smorgasbord. Congratulations make-up artists, you did a fantastic job of transforming a beauty of nature into a repulsive nightmare. Bleck.

The Fly left me nauseated and confused. It’s definitely not a dinner and a movie type of date. That is, unless your date has a soft spot for scientific experiments gone terribly wrong and of course J. Goldblum <3.

Additional thoughts/questions after watching David Cronenberg’s 1986 version of The Fly:

-Where are all these baboons coming from?
- There’s a lot of raw meat in this movie.
- Why didn’t Seth wait for Veronica before teleporting himself?
- Whoa. Jeff Goldblum is really talented at gymnastics.
- Did the guy from the bar go to the hospital after having his arm broken by Brundlefly?
- 80’s technology is pretty rad.
- What happened to the baby?