Shrouded in Desire: Cronenberg, Dixon & the Art of Grief

On this episode of Face2Face, David Peck sits down with legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg and acclaimed costume designer Anne Dixon to explore their haunting new film The Shrouds. We dive into grief, storytelling, and the power of collaboration—from Dixon’s sculptural approach to costume design to Cronenberg’s reflections on love, loss, and existentialism. It’s a layered, philosophical conversation about death, creativity, and connection—and one that turns costume and character into deeply human art forms.

Synopsis:

In The Shrouds, visionary filmmaker David Cronenberg delivers one of his most personal and provocative works to date. The film follows Karsh (Vincent Cassel), a grieving tech entrepreneur who, after the death of his wife Becca (Diane Kruger), develops GraveTech—a revolutionary system that allows mourners to monitor the real-time decomposition of their loved ones via high-tech burial shrouds and smartphone apps.

Set in a near-future Toronto, the narrative unfolds as Karsh's creation becomes the center of controversy and intrigue. When several graves, including Becca's, are vandalized, Karsh embarks on a journey to uncover the perpetrators, delving into a web of conspiracies that blur the lines between technology, grief, and obsession. Drawing inspiration from Cronenberg's own experience with loss, The Shrouds is a meditation on mourning, the human desire for connection beyond death, and the unsettling intersections of technology and emotion. With its haunting visuals, a synth-heavy score by longtime collaborator Howard Shore, and a narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and memory, the film stands as a testament to Cronenberg's enduring exploration of the human condition.

David Cronenberg is one of Canada’s most influential and daring filmmakers, renowned for pushing the boundaries of cinema. Often dubbed the “Baron of Blood,” his work explores the dark intersections of technology, the body, and psychological trauma. From cult classics like Videodrome and The Fly to award-winning dramas like A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, Cronenberg has consistently challenged audiences with his provocative storytelling and signature style. With The Shrouds, he turns inward, crafting a deeply personal meditation on grief and connection, once again proving that he remains one of cinema’s most fearless auteurs.

Anne Dixon is a celebrated costume designer whose work spans film, television, opera, and dance, bringing characters to life through meticulous research and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Her recent collaboration with Viggo Mortensen on The Dead Don’t Hurt showcases her commitment to authenticity, as she recreated 19th-century attire with precision, even commissioning traditional ceinture fléchée belts from Quebec artisans to reflect the film's French-Canadian roots.

Dixon's diverse portfolio includes projects like The Song of Names, Falling, and Anne with an E, earning her accolades such as the CAFTCAD Award and multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations. Her designs are known for their emotional depth and historical accuracy, making her a sought-after talent in the industry.

F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face.

For more information about David Peck please visit his site here.

With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound.

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