Cast
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Kevin Costner
as Joe Darrow
Joe Morton
as Hugh Campbell
Ron Rifkin
as Charlie Dickinson
Susanna Thompson
as Emily Darrow
Kathy Bates
as Mrs. Belmont
Jacob Smith
as Ben
Robert Bailey Jr.
as Jeffrey Reardon
Jay Thomas
as Hal
Lisa Banes
as Flora
Matt Craven
as Eric
Leslie Hope
as Charisse Darrow
Kim Staunton
as Intake Nurse
Liza Weil
as Suicide Girl
Nigel Gibbs
as Paramedic
Casey Biggs
as Neil Darrow
Crew
Director
- Tom Shadyac
Producer
- Tom Shadyac
- Roger Birnbaum
- Arlene Kehela
- Gary Barber
- Alan B. Curtiss
- Janet L. Wattles
- Mark Johnson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Fantasy/Mystery/Horror/Romance/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dragonfly presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Tom Shadyac 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dragonfly took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $60.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 171 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dragonfly shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Sixth Sense, which focuses more on action than character development, Dragonfly subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Slipway and Take Off explore similar territory, Dragonfly 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: February 22, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $60,000,000
- Revenue: $52,322,400
