If “Journey into the Self” had been filmed today instead of in 1987, many people would have asked a lot of questions: Does “Needle Spiking” really have to be seen? Shouldn’t we “negotiate” the right to the integrity of our own bodies? Does identity politics no longer play a role? My body belongs to me!
Joe Dante’s film is a crazy but positive scientific utopia. Supermarket employee Jack (Martin Short) is unnoticed given an injection containing a Navy captain (Dennis Quaid) who has been reduced to microscopic size and a miniaturized submarine, with which he now travels through the bloodstream of his host. From now on, two people share one body. Via an outboard microphone installed in his eardrum – please don’t question such things – Jack can communicate with the shrunken soldier Tuck, who, as a personal trainer, gives him advice on how to eliminate his captors, because miniaturization technology is in high demand on the black market. Nanotechnology was the coming thing 37 years ago.
“Atomic bombs? “Everyone has it today,” says crime boss Scrimshaw (Kevin McCarthy). “And space? Turned out to be a flop. An infinitely large dumping ground for our scrap.” Scrimshaw is not interested in science and wants to sell the technology to the highest bidder. Cartels dominate the medical market.
The out-of-body experience of Martin Short, seen here for the first time in a leading role, is perhaps a bit unnerving today. But the topics – journeys into the genomes, changes to mRNA – are modern. For director Joe Dante, this is an impressive continuation of a successful series of A-budget B films that began in the early 80s with “The Animal”, “Gremlins” and “Explorers”. Now in 4K for the first time. (Plaion Pictures)