Cast
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Roger Moore
as Thomas Grace / Inspector Fulbright
Malcolm McDowell
as Bernard Drake / Ian Morrissey
Nancy Allen
as Jessie Gallardo
Jackson Davies
as Lt. Powers
Eric McCormack
as Jack Sullivan
Kevin McNulty
as Curruthers
Mina E. Mina
as Lawrence Rashad
Don MacKay
as Henry Graham
Bernard Cuffling
as CNSL Thackery
Wendy Van Riesen
as Ingrid
Sheila Paterson
as Old Woman
Teryl Rothery
as Henry's Secretary
Jessica Van der Veen
as '40s Secretary
Scott Bellis
as Boris
Roger Cross
as McKinnon
Crew
Director
- Bill Condon
Producer
- Alex Beaton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Man Who Wouldn't Die examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bill Condon 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 1994, 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 The Man Who Wouldn't Die took approximately 10 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 141 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2088 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man Who Wouldn't Die shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hannah and Her Sisters, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Man Who Wouldn't Die offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Adaptation. and Epilogue explore similar territory, The Man Who Wouldn't Die stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 22, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 30m
