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Erased

Erased (2012)

Aug 23, 2012 1h 40m Action Thriller

A former agent of the CIA and his estranged daughter go on the run after his employers target them for assassination.

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Directed by Philipp Stölzl

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Philipp Stölzl
Producer
  • Karl Richards
  • Adrian Politowski
  • Jonathan Vanger

Reviews

JPV852
7/10

Decent if not uneven suspense-thriller has shades of a B-level Bourne movie, but I liked Aaron Eckhart in the lead. Starts off well enough and kind of loses some steam in the middle with a satisfying enough ending. **3.5/5**

May 4, 2021

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Erased distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Philipp Stölzl 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 2012, 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 Erased took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $12.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 1734 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Erased shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Amores Perros, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Erased subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Absolute Power explore similar territory, Erased 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: August 23, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 40m
  • Budget: $12,000,000

Where to Watch

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