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The Naked Lunch (Original title)
Date: 24 April 1992 (Release)

Countries: United Kingdom, Canada

Director: David Cronenberg

Synopsis: Pest-exterminator turned fugitive and narcophile William Lee flees 1953 New York for the dubious safety of the Interzone after the accidental shooting of his wife. There, he is harangued and molested by a variety of outsize insects, centipedes and less identifiable creatures.

Genre:
Fantasy
Releases
Date: February 1992Country: GermanyRelease type: Pre-ReleaseFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Eastmancolor - Sound - DolbyRuntime: 115 mins 24 secs - Length: 10386 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 24 April 1992Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 115 mins Length: 10386 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: First Independent Films Ltd

Credits (105)
©: Recorded Picture Company (Productions) Limited, ©: Naked Lunch Productions Limited, Presents: Jeremy Thomas, Produced by: Jeremy Thomas, Co-producer: Gabriella Martinelli, Production Manager: Marilyn Stonehouse, Production Co-ordinator: Deborah Zwicker, Financial Controller: Ron Swinburne, UK Accountant: Hazel Crombie, Canadian Accountant: Teri Spasov, Assistant Accountant: Beverly Ross, Deborah Geaghan, Location Manager: Michael Brownstone, Location Assistant: Will Hoddinott, Production Secretary: Lesley Clark, 1st Assistant Director: John Board, 2nd Assistant Director: Terry Gould, 3rd Assistant Director: Simon Board, Trainee Assistant Director: Cassandra Cronenberg, Michael Burke, Script Supervisor: Dug Rotstein, Casting by: Deirdre Bowen, Written by: David Cronenberg, Based on the book by: William S. Burroughs, Director of Photography: Peter Suschitzky, Camera Operator: Peter Suschitzky, Steadicam Operator: Ted Churchill, 2nd Assistant Camera: Arthur Cooper, Focus Puller: Marvin Midwicki, Camera Trainee: Lisa Pilcher, Adam Suschitzky, Gaffer: Scotty Allan, Best Boy: Sam Bojin, 1st Electrician: Michael McDonald, 2nd Electrician: Ian Bibby, Harold D. Stroud, Generator Operator: Duane Gullison, Key Grip: Mark Manchester, Best Boy Grip: Hugh Brule, Dolly Grip: David Hynes, Video Assist: James Storie, Video Assist: David J. Woods, Stills: Attila Dory, Brian Hamill, Floor Special Effects: Ted Ross, Edited by: Ronald Sanders, 1st Assistant Editor: Michael Rea, 2nd Assistant Editor: Bernadette Kelly, 2nd Assistant Editor: Peter Watson, 2nd Assistant Editor: Patricia Lambkin, Production Designer: Carol Spier, Art Director: James McAteer, 2nd Assistant Art Director: John Dondertman, 3rd Assistant Art Director: Benno Tutter, Prop Builder: Howard Munford, Prop Builder: Choice, Pamela Gibson, Set Decorator: Elinor Rose Galbraith, Assistant Art Director: Danielle Fleury, Lead Set Dresser: Clive Thomasson, Set Dresser: Peter Nicolakakos, Set Dresser: Arlindo Vincente, Set Dresser: Paula Deresti, Set Dresser: Gareth Wilson, Set Dresser: John Morrison, Trainee Set Dresser: Carlos Caneca, Property Master: Douglas Harlocker, Assistant Property Master: Chris Geggie, Propsman: Ron Dickie, Costume Designer: Denise Cronenberg, Costume Supervisor: Brenda Gilles, Wardrobe Assistant: Ann Henshaw, Silvio Berti, Make-up Artist: Christine Hart, Special Creatures and Effects Designed and Created by: Inc. Chris Walas, General Manager: Mark Walas, Project Supervisor: James Isaac, Mechanical Supervisor: Kelly Lepowski, Painting Supervisor: Gregg Olsson, Mould Supervisor: Wim Van Thillo, Technical Advisor: Jon Berg, Designer: Stéphan Dupuis, Business Manager: Scott Walas, Purchasing Agent: Connie Angland, Bookkeeper: Maggie Gibbons, Animatronics Engineer: Brian Dewe, Make-up Assistant: Marilyn O'Quinn, Make-up Assistant: Judy Murdock, Make-up Assistant: Marlene Aarons, Hairdresser: , Hairstylist: Veronica Ciandre, Hairdresser: Rhoda Ancill, Hairdresser: Carmen Macdonald, Hairdresser: Lucy Ortan, Music by: Howard Shore, Alto Saxophone Solos by: Ornette Coleman, The Ornette Coleman Trio: Ornette Coleman, The Ornette Coleman Trio: Denardo Coleman, Barre Phillips, Sound Mixer: Bryan Day, Boom Operator: Michael Lacroix, Cableman: Henry Embry, Unit Publicist: Prudence Emery, Transportation Co-ordinator: Michael Curran
Cast (27)
Peter Weller (Bill Lee), Judy Davis (Joan Frost/Joan Lee), Ian Holm (Tom Frost), Julian Sands (Yves Cloquet), Roy Scheider (Dr Benway), Monique Mercure (Fadela), Nicholas Campbell (Hank), Michael Zelniker (Martin), Robert A. Silverman (Hans), Joseph Scorsiani (Kiki), Peter Boretski (Creature Voices), Yuval Daniel (Hafid), John Friesen (Hauser), Sean McCann (O'Brien), Howard Jerome (A.J. Cohen), Michael Caruana (pawnbroker), Kurt Reis, Peter Boretski, Justin Louis, Julian Richings (exterminator), Jim Yip (the Chink), Claude Aflalo (forgeman), Laurent Hazout, Joe Dimambro (Interzone boy), Ornette Coleman, Denardo Coleman, Barre Phillips (The Ornette Coleman Trio member)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (43)
In: Science Fiction Film and Television v1 n1 Spring 2008  Pages: 151-155
Title: DVD reviews: Naked LunchAuthor: BEARD, William Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Filmmaker v14 n2 Winter 2006  Pages: 110-111
Title: Permanant rotationArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Filmmaker lists what it considers its twenty essential film soundtracks.

In: Film International v4 n1 2006  Pages: 11-12
Title: A fistful of DVDs: Long live the Cronenbergian fleshAuthor: TAPPER, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: DVD reviews of: VIDEODROME / DEAD RINGERS / NAKED LUNCH (released as part of the Criterion Collection) and The FLY (1986 - 20th Century Fox).

In: Film Score Monthly v10 n2 Mar/Apr 2005  Page: 44
Title: Score: Naked LunchAuthor: THOMAS, Ian D. Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English

In: Playback 15 Aug 2005  Pages: 15-27
Title: David Cronenberg: a history of brillianceAuthor: DILLON, Mark Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Special tribute to director David Cronenberg, celebrating 30 years in the film business, including articles on CRASH, NAK ED LUNCH, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, w/ contributions from Vito Mortensen, Atom Egoyan, Ronald Sanders, and Howard Shore. /

In: Cinefantastique v36 n1 Feb/Mar 2004  Pages: 60-61
Title: In review: DVD in briefAuthor: J.B. Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: American Cinematographer v85 n2 February 2004  Page: 12,14
Title: DVD playbackAuthor: PIZZELLO, Stephen Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n183 September 2004  Page: 161
Title: Remote control: RWDAuthor: WISE, Damon Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n178 April 2004  Page: 134
Title: FFW: region 1 DVD of the monthAuthor: HUGHES, David Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Review n647 August 2004  Page: 117
Title: Home entertainment to buy and rentAuthor: [SJG] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Premiere v17 n5 February 2004  Page: 96
Title: Home guideArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Positif n502 December 2002  Pages: 93-96
Title: Howard Shore. La lumière passe de l'oeil au cerveauAuthor: LAULIAC, Christian Article type: InterviewLanguage: French
Description: Composer Howard Shore talks about his collaboration with D. Cronenberg, particularly on the music of The FLY and experi- mental work on NAKED LUNCH and CRASH; his work on ED WOOD, The GAME and The YARDS.

In: Music from the Movies n31/32 Winter 2001  Pages: 12-13
Title: Naked Lunch: live to projectionAuthor: JOY, Nick Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Howard Shore interviewed at the Barbican as part of the venue's 'Only Connect' series. NAKED LUNCH was performed as an orchestral piece.

In: Shivers n74 February 2000  Pages: 34-37
Title: Filming the unfilmable: David Cronenberg's Naked LunchAuthor: SCOTT, Simon Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article on Cronenberg's adaptation and how it differs from William Burroughs' novel.

In: El Amante Cine v2 n14 April 1993  Pages: 36-39
Title: ¡Droga en el cine!Author: RICAGNO, Alejandro Article type: ArticleLanguage: Spanish
Description: Discussion of drugs in film, covers a variety of films from THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM to DRUGSTORE COWBOY . Also includes films which cover the drug culture in music such as THE ROSE and SID AND NANCY.

In: Sight and Sound v3 n5 May 1993  Page: 69
Title: [Sight and Sound - v3 n5 May 1993: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note

In: British Board of Film Classification - Monthly List of Cinema Films January 1992  Page: 2
Title: [British Board of Film Classification - Monthly List of Cinema Films - January 1992: no known title]Language: English

In: Screen International n850 27 Mar 1992  Page: 5
Title: Lunch off and on Athens menuAuthor: GRIVAS, Alexis Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An Athens film supervision committee reportedly ordered police to seize prints of David Cronenberg's award-winning the NAKED LUNCH, claiming that the film "incites" young people to homosexuality and the use of narcotics.

In: StarBurst n166 June 1992  Pages: 16-19
Title: Lunch with Peter WellerAuthor: JONES, Alan Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with Peter Weller.

In: Sight and Sound v2 n1 May 1992  Pages: 56-57
Title: [Sight and Sound - v2 n1 May 1992: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Cinefantastique v22 n4 February 1992  Pages: 12-13,60
Title: The Naked LunchAuthor: KIMBER, Gary Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: David Cronenberg talks about making The NAKED LUNCH.

In: Screen International n840 17 Jan 1992  Page: 24
Title: [Screen International - n840 17 Jan 1992: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v2 n1 May 1992  Page: 6
Title: The Naked Diners clubAuthor: SINCLAIR, Iain Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article about the lack of similarity between the Burroughs' book The NAKED LUNCH and the Cronenberg film based on it.

In: Empire n32 February 1992  Pages: 66-77
Title: 1992: the ultimate "Empire" guide to the moviesArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief details as part of a guide to upcoming films.

In: Empire n35 May 1992  Page: 22
Title: New filmsAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v1 n11 March 1992  Pages: 11-13
Title: David CronenbergAuthor: KERMODE, Mark Article type: FilmographyLanguage: English
Description: Interview with David Cronenberg about his career, and his film NAKED LUNCH.

In: Film Quarterly v45 n3 Spring 1992  Pages: 2-6
Title: David Cronenberg on William Burroughs - Dead Ringers do ...Author: JAEHNE, Karen Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with David Cronenberg on his film based on William Burrough's work - NAKED LUNCH and the extent to which it was influenced by the author himself.

In: Cinefantastique v22 n5 April 1992  Pages: 8-19
Title: Cronenberg: Naked LunchAuthor: KIMBER, Gary, PERSONS, Dan Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Extensive look at NAKED LUNCH, featuring comments by David Cronenberg, William S. Burroughs and Carol Spier, and a look at the special effects and production design.

In: Empire n35 May 1992  Pages: 78-79
Title: Go global! Naked LunchAuthor: KNELMAN, Martin Article type: Location ReportLanguage: English

In: Premiere v5 n6 February 1992  Page: 22, 26, 37
Title: Cronenberg does Burroughs.Author: RICHARDSON, John H. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Details about the plot, characters and filming of NAKED LUNCH.

In: Sight and Sound v1 n11 March 1992  Pages: 8-10
Title: The Wrong BodyAuthor: TAUBIN, Amy Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article about the portrayal of hetero and homoerotic sex in NAKED LUNCH, and the importance of woman in driving the narrative.

In: Sight and Sound v2 n5 September 1992  Page: 66
Title: [Sight and Sound - v2 n5 September 1992: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note

In: Interview v22 n1 January 1992  Page: 28
Title: Naked LunchAuthor: FULLER, Graham Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review.

In: Positif n373 March 1992  Pages: 4-17
Title: Actualite: David CronenbergAuthor: PECK, Agnes Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Articles discussing NAKED LUNCH and an interview with David Cronenberg about the film.

In: Screen International n792 1 Feb 1991  Page: 18
Title: [Screen International - n792 1 Feb 1991: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English

In: Variety 23 Dec 1991  Page: 43
Title: [Variety - 23 Dec 1991: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: The Hollywood Reporter v315 n48 22 Jan 1991  Page: 3, 118, 89
Title: Fox doing 'Naked Lunch' filmAuthor: RECHTSHAFFEN, Michael Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: P.3, 118. Article. p.89. Credits.

In: The Hollywood Reporter v320 n31 20 Dec 1991  Page: 8, 50
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v320 n31 20 Dec 1991: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Television Today n5729 31 Jan 1991  Page: 18
Title: [Stage - n5729 31 Jan 1991: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English
Description: In-production details and credits.

In: Screen International n793 8 Feb 1991  Page: 36
Title: [Screen International - n793 8 Feb 1991: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n744 17 Feb 1990  Page: 202
Title: [Screen International - n744 17 Feb 1990: no known title]Language: English
Description: Details

In: Screen International n787 15 Dec 1990  Page: 17
Title: [Screen International - n787 15 Dec 1990: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n774 15 Sep 1990  Page: 41
Title: [Screen International - n774 15 Sep 1990: no known title]Language: English
Description: Details


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (8)
Title: Adapting the Beat poets: Burroughs, Ginsberg, and Kerouac on screen
Author: Prince, Michael J.  Pages: xxix, 139 pages

Title: David Cronenberg: author or film-maker?
Author: BROWNING, Mark  Pages: 206 pages

Title: naked lens: beat cinema
Author: SARGEANT, Jack  Pages: 255 p.

Title: Film adaptation
Author: NAREMORE, James  Pages: vii-x, 258p.

Title: Adaptations: from text to screen, screen to text
Author: CARTMELL, Deborah  Pages: vii-xvii, 247p.

Title: naked lens: beat cinema
Author: SARGEANT, Jack  Pages: 250p.

Title: Cronenberg on Cronenberg
Author: RODLEY, Chris  Pages: vi-xvii. 230p.

Title: Everything is permitted: the making of Naked Lunch
Author: SILVERBERG, Tra  Pages: 128p.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 10398 FeetStock date: 1992BFI identifier: C-878181
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedStock date: 1993BFI identifier: N-476218
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)



Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 10410 FeetStock date: 1991BFI identifier: C-878182
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 10398 FeetStock date: 1992BFI identifier: C-878181
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedStock date: 1993BFI identifier: N-476218
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)