The Fly (1986): Ewww... But Also, Wow?

Okay, so I finally got around to watching Cronenberg's The Fly. I knew going in it was supposed to be a 'body horror' classic, but man, I was NOT prepared. Like, I've read some pretty gross descriptions in books, but the visuals in this... yeah, I had to look away a few times. Jeff Goldblum is amazing, though. He really sells Seth Brundle's initial excitement and genius, but then the slow, agonizing transformation... Ugh, it's heartbreaking. I really felt for Veronica (Geena Davis) too. She was so conflicted about doing the right thing, even as things got more and more…icky. What I really appreciated was the underlying message. I mean, it's not just a gross-out flick. It's about mortality, decay, and the limits of science, right? Brundle's hubris gets him in the end. He tries to play God, and nature…uh…finds a way to humble him, to put it mildly. I also liked the almost tragic love story that plays out. They were both so smart and interesting, and it feels like they could have had something great, but the fly totally ruined it. (pun intended) I haven't read the George Langelaan short story it's based on, but I might check it out sometime. I heard it's quite different. I'm curious to see how the original dealt with similar themes, without the benefit of Cronenberg's special effects! Anyone read the story? What did you think of the movie compared to the source material? Oh, and anyone else get the shivers thinking about how much lotion/oil brundlefly used? Just me? Overall, definitely a memorable movie. I'm not sure I'd watch it again anytime soon (my stomach can only take so much), but I can see why it's considered a classic. The practical effects are astonishing, even today. And Goldblum? He's a national treasure, even when he's slowly turning into a giant insect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go sanitize my apartment. And maybe spray for bugs... Just in case.