Cast
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James Mitchum
as Dan Evans
Robert Carradine
as Christie
Belinda Montgomery
as Annie Gallo
June Allyson
as Mrs. Grant
Jean-Pierre Aumont
as Henri
Ray Milland
as Richard Stafford
Don Granbery
as Chico
Terry Haig
as Eddy
Victor B. Tyler
as Marcus
Camille Ange
as
Maurice Attias
as
David Bairstow
as
Thor Bishopric
as
David Bloom
as
Fred Döderlein
as Mr. Grant
Crew
Director
- Eddy Matalon
Writer
- John C.W. Saxton
Producer
- Nicole M. Boisvert
- John Dunning
- Eddy Matalon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Blackout distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Eddy Matalon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Blackout took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 188 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blackout shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Assault on Precinct 13, which focuses more on action than character development, Blackout subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Unhinged and Memoirs of a Murderer explore similar territory, Blackout stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 25, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 32m
