Hailed by many as one of David Cronenberg's finest movies, this is an adaptation of a fantastic graphic novel of the same name, illustrated by Vince Locke and written by John Wagner.

Cronenberg, who specialises in the macabre, has taken this story of an ordinary day shot to hell, and made a film that swept Cannes off its feet. Not to mention Lord Of The Rings fans, as Viggo Mortensen shines in a startlingly dramatic role.

The reviews: Violence has startled audiences and critics alike, and the reviews are almost unanimously effusive in their praise. In The New York Times, Magnolia Davies writes, 'A masterpiece of indirection and pure visceral thrills, David Cronenberg's latest mindblower is the feel-good, feel-bad movie of the year.'

Liza Shwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly claims, 'There's not a scene wasted in the 97-minute unspooling, not a detour that doesn't tell, surprise, horrify, delight.'

Some other reviewers, however, feel the film isn't as taut as it should be.

Mostly everyone appreciates the film's cerebral nature, as illustrated by these words from the New York Observer's Andrew Sarris: 'Mr Cronenberg has imbued his narrative with a style of personal conviction that is found in only the greatest auteurs.'

Still, Gary Thompson of the Philadelphia Daily News makes a valid, while often-ignored point: 'The movie is always engaging but not quite convincing.'

What is likely: Lots of applause. If not Best Film, expect this one to pick up Best Director for The Fly director Cronenberg.