Cast
View All
Mark Wahlberg
as David McCall
Reese Witherspoon
as Nicole Walker
William Petersen
as Steve Walker
Alyssa Milano
as Margo Masse
Amy Brenneman
as Laura Walker
Tracy Fraim
as Logan
Jason Kristofer
as Terry
Jed Rees
as Knobby
Gary Riley
as Hacker
Todd Caldecott
as Gary Rohmer
David Fredericks
as Larry O'Brien
Christopher Gray
as Toby
Gerry Bean
as Eddie Clark
Ravinder Toor
as Counterman
Andrew Airlie
as Alex McDowell
Crew
Director
- James Foley
Producer
- Brian Grazer
- Ric Kidney
Reviews
John Chard
Fear can hold you prisoner…
Fear is directed by James Foley and written by Christopher Crowe. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, William Petesen, Alyssa Milano and Amy Brenneman. Music is by Carter Burwell and cinematography by Thomas Kloss.
One of the number of psycho-sexual thrillers that surfaced in the 80s and 90s, Fear has the narrative hook that it involves teenagers. Witherspoon is the girl who invites drifter David McCall (Wahlberg) into her life, only to find he’s as unstable as unstable can be. Director Foley and his team then produce a film that pretty much cribs from a number of other similar themed movies. All of the key scenes will be instantly familiar to genre film watchers, and unfortunately the plot twists and turns come as no surprise.
However, in spite of the lack of originality in structure and narrative thrust, Fear is never dull, not even when Wahlberg is wistfully looking into Witherspoon’s eyes like a love sick puppy. Suspense is on hand for the big finale, which unfolds with kinetic brutality, and it’s also nice here to find that some thought has gone into the characterisations of those in peril. Kloss’ photography around the various Seattle locales is vividly appealing, as is Burwell’s music compositions, while the acting performances are all on the good side of good, with nobody harming the balance of the piece.
A teenage Cape Fear – cum – Straw Dogs - cum – Fatal Attraction, but good with it regardless. 7/10
Jun 4, 2014
Thematic Analysis
Fear represents a fascinating example of Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director James Foley 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 1996, 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 Fear took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1662 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1996, 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 Fear 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, Fear subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Unhinged and Torment explore similar territory, Fear stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 12, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 37m
Where to Watch
