The Dead Zone review: A distinct science-fiction film that stands out without the use of elaborate special effects
Most science fiction films are noted for their original premise, special effects extravagance, and mind-blowing action. However, few science-fictiom films continue to stand out without the use of special effects, and David Cronenberg's 'The Dead Zone (1983)' is one of them.
The film is about a mild-mannered New England schoolteacher Johny Smith (Christopher Walken), who is deeply in love with his girlfriend Sarah (Brooke Adams). As he drops her home and is returning to his home he gets into a car accident that leaves him in a coma. Johnny awakens from a coma after five years. Many things have changed in his life during the last five years, including his girlfriend Sarah's marriage with someone else. While suffering from physical and emotional torment, he gradually realises he has obtained psychic or supernatural abilities; he can hold someone's hand and predict what will happen to them and their loved ones. He is essentially able to glimpse into the future. The movie allows us to sense his anguish and mental agony as he tries to cope with losing the love of his life, while simultaneously attempting to grasp his new psychic ability.
The film's plot is driven as much by what Johny thinks and feels after being in a coma for five years as by what he says. Others consider looking into the future to be a gift or a blessing from God, but Johny may not see it that way. And the film does an excellent job of striking the right balance between making us empathize with his grief over losing a loved one and understanding his initial struggle to come to terms with gaining the psychic ability and how to use it to save people from losing their loved ones and apprehend a criminal. In the initial scenes when he is recovering from coma, and gained a new psychic ability, his expressions convey to us what he does not say, as well as what he does not comprehend or even recognise. He internalizes his pain.
Despite being a "science-fiction thriller," the movie moves at a purposefully slow pace, and aside from two scenes-one in the middle of the runtime and the other at the climax- it doesn't have many thrilling moments. In fact, the second half of the film starts to feel rather drab. However, as it moves into the third act, it begins to pick up speed once more. Additionally, the suspenseful build-up to the conclusion has you on the edge of your seat.
Director Cronenberg and screenwriter Jeffrey Boam have done an outstanding job of moving the story ahead with measured strokes while still providing a strong emotional connection to Johnny and other supporting characters, particularly neurologist Dr. Sam Weizak and Sarah. Christopher Walken is fantastic as a man coping with everything he has lost and attempting to comprehend his newfound power. Johny is a noble man, and Christopher never goes far in expressing his strong desire to help others while dealing with his own tragedy. Brooke Adams also does an outstanding job portraying a woman fighting her own moral battles. The rest of the performers, particularly Herbert Lom and Martin Sheen excel in their respective roles.
Despite being a science-fiction thriller, the camera moves slowly to disclose or conceal anything, which causes us uneasiness. Overall, 'The Dead Zone' is a distinct standout film that deserves the praise it has received from critics and cinephiles.
Cast: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe
Writer: Jeffrey Boam
Director: David Cronenberg
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