“Censors Source tend to do what only psychotics do: they confuse reality with illusion.”
David Cronenberg defines the genre of body horror. His films shock audiences globally. Consequently, he battles censorship frequently. He does not respect the practice. Instead, he analyzes the censor’s mind. He finds a deep flaw in their logic.
They cannot separate the screen from the street. This confusion defines his famous quote. It strikes at the heart of content restriction. Moreover, it diagnoses the censor as mentally unstable.
The Origins of the Insight
This observation did not appear in a vacuum. Source It began during a specific interview. In 1987, a documentary team profiled the director. The film was titled Long Live the New Flesh. . Here, Cronenberg discussed his many battles.
He spoke about cuts to his films. He expressed frustration with the process. During this conversation, he formulated his theory. However, the spoken version was rough. He used tentative language. He said “I think” and “in fact.”
Nevertheless, the core idea remained sharp. He identified a fundamental error in censorship. The interviewer caught this moment. It occurred in the fifth segment of the film. Specifically, it happens around the seven-minute mark. This moment planted the seed for the famous quote.
Refining the Message for Readers
Spoken language often lacks precision. Therefore, Cronenberg revisited the idea later. In 1992, he collaborated on a book. The title was Cronenberg on Cronenberg. Chris Rodley edited the volume. Together, they polished the director’s thoughts.
Cronenberg stripped away the filler words. He removed the hesitation. Consequently, the statement became a weapon. It gained clarity and force. He expanded on the concept too. He addressed violence in television.
He noted that children watch thousands of deaths. Yet, these are not real deaths. They are merely pixels and light. The book version highlights this distinction perfectly. It separates the signifier from the signified. Thus, the 1992 version became the standard reference.
Understanding the “Psychotic” Comparison
Why does he compare censors to psychotics? The comparison seems harsh. However, Cronenberg uses it clinically. Psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality. A psychotic person hallucinates. They believe false things are true.
Cronenberg argues that censors share this trait. They look at a film strip. They see a representation of an act. Yet, they react as if the act is real. They fear the image as they fear the deed.
For example, a murder in a movie hurts no one. It is a trick of light. Actors go home safely. Censors forget this fact. They treat the image as a dangerous weapon. Therefore, they try to suppress it. This inability to distinguish art from life is pathological.
The Spread of the Idea
Critics recognized the power of this argument. The quote spread through literary circles. Dictionaries began to cite it. The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations included it in 1993. They correctly attributed it to the 1992 book.
Journalists also adopted the phrase. It served as a powerful counter-argument. In 1994, Dale Eisler wrote an editorial. He worked for The Leader-Post. He used Cronenberg’s logic to question local laws.
He asked if local censors suffered this confusion. The quote gave weight to his argument. It turned the tables on the authorities. Instead of protecting the public, the censors looked irrational. They became the ones needing help.
Variations in the Media
As the quote traveled, it shifted slightly. Different publications tweaked the wording. For instance, The Stage reviewed the original documentary. They paraphrased the director’s words. They swapped “reality” and “illusion” in their text.
Later, other papers moved phrases around. The Journal Gazette changed the sentence structure in 1999. Despite these changes, the meaning held firm. The central accusation remained clear.
Cronenberg consistently defends this view. He champions the freedom of expression. He refuses to accept the censor’s worldview. To him, art must remain free. It acts as a safe space for dangerous ideas. Confusing that space with reality is a mistake.
Conclusion
David Cronenberg changed how we view censorship. He moved the debate from morality to psychology. He exposed the fear behind the scissors. Censors restrict what they confuse with reality.
We must remember the difference. Art reflects life, but it is not life. We can explore dark themes safely. We do not need protection from illusions. Ultimately, recognizing this distinction keeps our culture healthy.