For nearly thirty years David Cronenberg has been terrorising the cinema-going public while working through his own personal obsessions and neuroses. His most famous films have become bywords for screen controversy and the breaking of film taboo - be it exploding heads (Scanners, 1980), hallucinogenic pornography (Videodrome, 1982), deranged gynaecologists (Dead Ringers, 1989) or, er, 'sex n'wrecks' (Crash, 1997).

Yet while his preoccupations have remained consistently challenging, his reputation has risen (in line, perhaps, with his budgets and the refinement of his technique) to such an extent that he is no longer regarded as a purveyor of exploitation but as a genuine visionary in tune with the 21st century psyche.

This Pocket Essential guide contains an introductory essay, followed by an analysis of each of his films that uncovers and explores his recurring themes. All this plus an extensive reference section, including Cronenberg websites and video availability of his films.