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The shock and awe of his particular brand of horror might be what put Cronenberg on the map, but the qualities of any great director can't be boxed in by genre. This is decidedly the case with Cronenberg.

This seemingly straight forward spy drama, is the perfect framework for the Cronenbergian exploration of omnisexuality and man's ability to evolve beyond convention and conviction, into something uniquely other and uniquely beautiful. It's the emotional equivalent to his body horror movies, and as such distinctly different but nonetheless familiar.

Having seen all but his latest movie, I find it safe to say that David Cronenberg is the most fascinating and continually surprising director I have ever encountered. I simply love that crazy old guy.

The Harder They fall is an interesting movie on multiple levels. First off it's a boxing movie that doesn't follow the conventional journey from rags to riches, but rather the industry and the dark dealings within it. It's a scathing criticism of the moneymen, the managers and how their blind ambition for money and power warps their view of the fighters they are supposedly promoting.

It is also a fascinating clash between the old and new Hollywood acting styles presented by Bogart and Steiger respectively. Bogart is classy, heightened reality whereas Steiger is showing off the emerging method acting of the time. Together the two works wonders.

The Harder They Fall ended up being Bogarts last movie before his untimely death only a year after its release, but in many ways it was a perfect send off for his career. It showcased many of his talents as an actor as well as the kind of characters he tended to play.

If you are in the mood for some alternative noir and want to watch a merge between classic and new acting styles this is definitely a must!

Based on a play by Arthur Miller this film tells a gripping story of a seemingly picture perfect american family, whose horrible secrets suddenly seeps out and forever changes them. It's a poignant social commentary on American family values, capitalism and greed but it also has a strong emotional core to reel in its audience with.

Ed G. Robinsons character is astoundingly complex, maddeningly blinded by pride and ambition, frustratingly narrow minded and absolutely delightful. Robinson has, in my humble opinion, never been better than he is here.

The movie is a slow paced melodrama, and perhaps a bit too rough around the edges for its own good, but It had me hooked from beginning to end.