[MacBlayne]

CYBORG (1989)

Cyborg.jpg

In the post-apocalypse, a deadly plague has decimated the world's population. A cyborg that holds the cure in her head is kidnapped by a psychotic cult. A former mercenary (Jean Claude Van Damme) chases after them, not just to rescue the cyborg, but to claim vengeance.

Cyborg is a decent apocalyptic action flick that is arguably more interesting for its behind-the-scenes. Cannon, so sure of the success of Masters of the Universe, immediately set up pre-production for the sequel. It flopped, and Cannon were left with a bunch of unfinished sets. Rather than let it go to waste, Albert Pyun concocted a story that could recycle what had been built.

It sounds like Cannon should be grateful, but what Pyun pitched scared them - a black-and-white rock opera that wouldn't have any dialogue. Cannon immediately rejected the lack of colour, and demanded some dialogue to help detail exposition. They would let Pyun keep his rock soundtrack. At least, for a while.

A workprint was test-screened to a very negative reaction. Audiences were bored with the relative lack of dialogue. The soundtrack had not been included yet, so the wild screaming during the climatic fight inspired laughter and ridicule. Van Damme, worried this would damage his career, offered to recut the film for free. Cannon agreed, and demanded some reshoots to allow for a new story (Pyun's original cut made no reference to a deadly plague). A new score was to be commissioned as well. Pyun, being a f*cking legend, used these reshoots to sneakily make a whole new film at Cannon's expense (Deceit). And after that, the film had to be re-edited many times to secure an R rating (it was initially rated X for violence alone).

But what of the film itself?

It's fine. The editing is a little rough, but it moves at a pace so relentless that it's hard to care. It's a handsome looking film too. Pyun made $500,000 look like $5 million. Some clever foreground placement makes many of the matte paintings strikingly effective. Even the music is alright, if a far cry from Pyun's original goal.

The acting is alright too. Van Damme is still inexperienced as an actor, but his awkwardness fits the character, and his sad eyes convey a past of pain. Likewise, Vicent Klyn isn't the most accomplished actor, but his glare sells him as a deranged mass murderer.

Cyborg is fine. If you just want to see Van Damme roundhouse cannibals in a wasteland, then it's hard to complain. It's cinematic Ronseal - it does exactly what it says on the box.