I really liked the movie. When you're Canadian, you're obliged to like everything Cronenberg does. But it's not much like the book, which really has no plot whatsoever. Apparently, it's an amalgamation of scenes from the book mixed in with a semi-biographical account of Burrough's efforts to write it. For instance, Burroughs really did accidentally shoot his wife in the head while playing a game of William Tell.

I'd totally recommend reading it if it's on your list. The good thing about it is that because it's totally plotless, you can read it like a weird short story collection. Just pick it up in any ol' place, and stop when you get bored or disgusted by it.

Nearly 20 years later the same friend told me that Naked Lunch is the only book he's ever read in its entirety. He's a very interesting character.