Cast
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Michael Keaton
as Harry Berg
Rae Dawn Chong
as Rachel Dobs
Joe Pantoliano
as Norman
Danny Aiello III
as Ralph Vigo
Ronald Guttman
as Rigaud
Meat Loaf
as Titus
Leslie Bevis
as Gem Vigo
Richard Portnow
as Ruben
Liane Langland
as Hilda
John Davidson
as Honest Tom T. Murray
George Gerdes
as Joe
Paul Herman
as Freddy
John Dennis Johnston
as Nick
Crew
Director
- Roger Young
Writer
- Daniel Taplitz
Producer
- Michael Tannen
- Rupert Hitzig
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/Crime/Romance/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Squeeze distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Roger Young 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 1987, 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 Squeeze took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Squeeze shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Highlander, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Squeeze subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Highlander II: The Quickening and Highlander III: The Sorcerer explore similar territory, The Squeeze 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: July 10, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Revenue: $2,228,951
