Cast
View AllFamke Janssen
as Lex / Lady X
Clark Johnson
as Master Chang
Shannon Tweed
as Shannon
Sean Young
as Mercedes
Stephen Shellen
as Lt. Eddie Walker
Traci Lind
as Jae
Kim Coates
as Tommy Nolan
Nigel Bennett
as Nicholai
Von Flores
as Johnny Lee
David Hemblen
as Captain
Kim Cayer
as Young Woman
Gillian Vanderburgh
as Tanya
Louis Di Bianco
as Yuri
Henriette Ivanans
as Assistant
Jefferson Mappin
as Adam
Crew
Director
- Christian Duguay
Writer
- Jeph Loeb
- Matthew Weisman
Producer
- Lewis Chesler
- Ken Gord
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/TV Movie/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Model by Day distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Christian Duguay 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 1993, 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 Model by Day took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 392 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1993, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Model by Day 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 Wrath of Vajra, which focuses more on action than character development, Model by Day offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Fist That Kills and Joe Bullet explore similar territory, Model by Day 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: October 10, 1993
- Runtime: 1h 30m