Scanners

Scanners

David Cronenberg

(1981)

After a man with extraordinary, and frighteningly destructive, telepathic abilities is nabbed by agents from a mysterious rogue corporation, he discovers he is far from the only possessor of such strange powers. Some of the other “scanners” have their minds set on world domination, while others are trying to stop them.

Cast

Stephen LackCameron Vale: Stephen Lack
Jennifer O'NeillKim Obrist: Jennifer O'Neill
Michael IronsideDarryl Revok: Michael Ironside
Patrick McGoohanDr. Paul Ruth: Patrick McGoohan
Lawrence DaneBraedon Keller: Lawrence Dane

Crew

Art DirectionCarol Spier
Production ManagerDon Buchsbaum
EditorRonald Sanders
DirectorDavid Cronenberg
Executive ProducerPierre David
Original Music ComposerHoward Shore
Director of PhotographyMark Irwin
WriterDavid Cronenberg
HairstylistConstant Natale
ProducerClaude Héroux

Synopsis

Scanners follows Cameron Vale, a drifter who discovers he possesses powerful telepathic and telekinetic abilities. He is recruited by a private security company to track down Darryl Revok, a rogue scanner leading a violent underground movement. As Vale learns to control his powers, the film explores themes of identity, control, and corporate manipulation, building toward a series of intense psychic confrontations, including its famously explosive climax.

Fun Facts

The film is best known for its shocking head explosion scene, achieved using practical effects with prosthetics and explosives. Director David Cronenberg has said the effect was difficult to pull off and required multiple attempts. The term “scanner” became synonymous with psychic-powered individuals in pop culture following the film’s release.

Production Context

Directed by David Cronenberg, the film was produced in Canada with a moderate budget. The production faced challenges, including script changes during filming and difficulties refining the special effects sequences. Cronenberg focused on blending body horror with science fiction, using practical effects to depict the physical toll of psychic powers.

Reception

Scanners received mixed reviews upon release but performed well commercially. Over time, it has gained cult status, particularly for its special effects and unique concept. It remains one of Cronenberg’s most recognizable films and spawned several sequels.

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YouTube Curated Selection

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #3 HD by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #3 HD by Film&Clips

“SCANNERS” Opening Scene - Mall Sequence - Rue de la Commune (Montreal) - Stephen Lack - 1981

“SCANNERS” Opening Scene - Mall Sequence - Rue de la Commune (Montreal) - Stephen Lack - 1981

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #2 HD by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #2 HD by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #5 (HD) by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #5 (HD) by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #4 HD by Film&Clips

Scanners - di David Cronenberg - Clip #4 HD by Film&Clips

Scanners (1981) (Castellano)

Scanners (1981) (Castellano)

Scanners Trailer (1981 Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill, Michael Ironside, Patrick McGoohan)

Scanners Trailer (1981 Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill, Michael Ironside, Patrick McGoohan)

Scanners - Clip by Film&Clips

Scanners - Clip by Film&Clips

Scanners, David Cronenberg - Original Trailer HD - By Film&Clips

Scanners, David Cronenberg - Original Trailer HD - By Film&Clips

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