MOVIES - March 24, 1989

“Dead Ringers,” a somber psychological film about twin doctors who descend into madness, swept the Canadian Genie Awards Wednesday night in Toronto, taking 10 trophies, including one for best picture. Jeremy Irons, who played a dual role as gynecologists, was named best actor, while Toronto-born director David Cronenberg won as best director and co-writer (with Norman Snider). He also co-produced the film. “Dead Ringers” also won for best cinematography, sound, sound editing, film editing, musical score and art direction. Canadian Jackie Burroughs was named best actress for her role as a high-strung New York writer on an erotic vacation in Mexico in “A Winter Tan.” The golden statuettes, distributed by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, are nicknamed Genie because they reward “film magic.” The film academy gave a special award to the National Film Board of Canada, celebrating its 50th year.