Cast
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Lois Smith
as Helen Giles
Christian Slater
as Mark Collins
Dina Merrill
as Nell Kempler
Tandy Cronyn
as Evelyn Collins
Dan Ziskie
as Phillip Collins
Brooke Tracy
as Susan Collins
John Cunningham
as Jim Kempler
Edward Marshall
as Karl Yaeger
Laurie Kennedy
as Peg Yaeger
J.C. Quinn
as Sheriff
Ralph Buckley
as Deputy
Karl Taylor
as Williams
Noelle Parker
as Jeanette
Michael Benhar
as Metz
Dan Lounsbery
as Chemistry Teacher
Crew
Director
- Adam Holender
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Twisted presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Adam Holender 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 1985, 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 Twisted took approximately 28 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 114 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 243 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 74 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Twisted shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Halloween, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Twisted subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Gate and The Page Turner explore similar territory, Twisted 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: August 23, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 30m
