© Getty Images 

Controversial movies - Due to the graphic nature of many of his films, Cronenberg isn't immune to a little controversy from time to time. 

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - One of his most controversial films was the 1975 movie 'Shivers.'

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - The film was so repulsive and disturbing that even Canadian Parliament weighed in on what the movie's actual social and artistic value was.

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - There were major objections to the film's violent and sexual content. 

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - Canadian journalist Robert Fulford called it "the most repulsive movie I've ever seen" (via Fansided).

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - The movie also caused Cronenberg to be kicked out of his apartment due to a morality clause.

© Getty Images 

'Shivers' - Despite the controversy, 'Shivers' was Canada's most profitable film to date at the time.

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - Later came Cronenberg's famous 'The Fly,' released in 1986.

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - The sci-fi horror film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. 

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - It is the only movie directed by Cronenberg that has ever won an Oscar.

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - The movie also spawned a very popular phrase used frequently in popular culture. 

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - The quote 'Be afraid. Be very afraid' originated from the movie. It was used as the film's tagline.

© Getty Images 

'The Fly' - Since then, the expression has been used in various movies and television series.

© Getty Images 

'Crash' - Cronenberg also directed and wrote the 1996 psychological thriller 'Crash.'

© Getty Images 

'Crash' - Based on a novel of the same name by J. G. Ballard, the movie faced heavy criticism due to its violent and sexual nature.

© Getty Images 

'Crash' - Like the book, the film was so controversial that a heavy campaign was launched to try to get it banned in the United Kingdom. 

© Getty Images 

'Crash' - Ultimately, the British Board of Film Classification found no reason to censor it and the movie was released.

© Getty Images 

'Videodrome' - 1983's 'Videodrome' was written and directed by Cronenberg and is about a television station CEO who discovers a broadcast signal showing intense torture and violence. 

© Getty Images 

'Videodrome' - The film was considered to be ahead of its time. 

© Getty Images 

'Videodrome' - Esquire ranked it number 10 on its list of 50 Best Horror Movies of the 80s.

© Getty Images 

'Naked Lunch' - Cronenberg took an interesting approach when adapting William S. Burroughs' book 'The Naked Lunch.'

© Getty Images 

'Naked Lunch' - The novel draws from Burroughs' own experiences with drugs, and the book was even banned in Boston at one point for descriptions of pedophilia and child murder.

© Getty Images 

'Naked Lunch' - Cronenberg realized that if he turned into a movie, it'd more than likely be banned around the world and cost at least $400 million to make.

© Getty Images 

'Naked Lunch' - So Cronenberg infused elements from the novel with his own writing to create his version, 1991's 'Naked Lunch.'

© Getty Images 

'Naked Lunch' - The movie was received positively and won numerous awards and accolades. 

© Getty Images 

Other films - Some of Cronenberg's other noteworthy films include 'Dead Ringer' (1988), 'Scanners' (1999), 'A History of Violence' (2005), and 'Eastern Promises' (2007).

© Getty Images 

Birthday - Cronenberg was born in Toronto on March 15, 1943.

© Getty Images 

Birthday - He is celebrating his 75th birthday this year. 

© Getty Images 

Happiest of birthdays, David! - Here's to Cronenberg and his horrifyingly grotesque films we love so much!

© Getty Images