Cast
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Lou Diamond Phillips
as Sheriff Emmett Kimsey
Dina Meyer
as Dr. Sheila Casper
Bob Gunton
as Dr. Alexander McCabe
Leon
as Jimmy Sands
Carlos Jacott
as Dr. Tobe Hodge
David McConnell
as Deputy Wesley Munn
Marcia Dangerfield
as Mayor Amanda Branson
Oscar Rowland
as Dr. Swanbeck
Juliana Johnson
as Emma
Ned Bellamy
as Major Reid
George Gerdes
as Chaswick
James Sie
as Sergeant James
Tim Whitaker
as Quint
Joel Farar
as Bartender
Crew
Director
- Louis Morneau
Producer
- Louise Rosner-Meyer
- Bradley Jenkel
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Bats presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Louis Morneau 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 1999, 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 Bats took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.3 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 249 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- 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 Bats 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 Astronaut Farmer, which focuses more on action than character development, Bats subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fly and The Island of Dr. Moreau explore similar territory, Bats stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 22, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Budget: $5,250,000
- Revenue: $10,200,000
Where to Watch
