A scientist trains a man with an advanced telepathic ability called 'scanning' to stop a dangerous Scanner with extraordinary psychic powers from waging war against non-Scanners.
Practical Effects
The exploding head took months, shot in a farmer's field.
Acting
Michael Ironside's stare could stop your heart cold.
Direction
Cronenberg's clinical eye makes body horror feel surgical.
Director
David Cronenberg
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The famous head explosion used a shotgun loaded with kosher salt and leftover hamburger. Shot once. Perfect take.
Stephen Lack was a sculptor, not an actor — Cronenberg cast him for his 'strange energy.' The other scanners are mostly non-professionals too.
CA
