David Cronenberg Clarifies eXistenZ's Vision Beyond Modern Gaming Predictions
David Cronenberg discusses his film eXistenZ, emphasizing it was not intended to foresee modern gaming but to explore concepts of reality and mass media.
David Cronenberg, known for his impactful films, reassured audiences that eXistenZ is not primarily a commentary on the future of gaming, but a narrative exploring the nature of reality intertwined with mass media.
In eXistenZ, starring Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh, the characters delve into a surreal VR game where the boundaries of real and virtual blur. Cronenberg points out the thematic parallels between this film and his earlier work, Videodrome, highlighting the exploration of mass media’s influence on reality.
Cronenberg conveyed:
“I don’t think of art as prophecy. If some elements resonate with current developments in gaming, that’s merely a lovely coincidence.”
He admits to not being deeply engaged with gaming culture himself, focusing instead on the film’s artistic narrative rather than predicting technological advancements. With social media playing a significant role in shaping perceptions of reality, he reflects on how the gaming realm has evolved since eXistenZ debuted in 1999, hinting at the growth of user-generated content in modern games like Roblox and Fortnite.
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Cronenberg encouraged audiences to view Videodrome and eXistenZ as a double feature, inviting reflections on media influence in contemporary society.
