In simple terms, this quote suggests that people who censor content often lose touch with reality, much like those suffering from mental illness do when they cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. Censors, according to Cronenberg, blur the lines between fact and fiction in their efforts to control or suppress information.
Cronenberg's statement delves into the psychological implications of censorship, highlighting how it can distort reality for both the censor and those affected by it. By equating censors with individuals who are mentally ill, he underscores the detrimental impact that censorship has on truth and societal perception. This comparison suggests a severe disconnect from objective reality when one actively suppresses or alters information to fit a subjective agenda. Such behavior not only affects individual perspectives but can also have broader social repercussions by eroding public trust in institutions and weakening the fabric of informed discourse.
David Cronenberg, renowned for his provocative and often unsettling films, is a Canadian filmmaker celebrated for exploring themes related to technology, identity, and the human condition. His work frequently challenges societal norms and explores the darker aspects of human nature, making him well-suited to comment on issues such as censorship and its psychological effects.