Cast
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Sam Chew Jr.
as Dr. Tom Parkinson
Elisabeth Chauvet
as Ann Bradley
Dan Priest
as Colonel Stroud
Ronald Gold
as Captain Delaney
Al Dunlap
as General Hinch
Dan Balentine
as Pilot Hawkins
Gary Van Ormand
as Woodley
Darwin Joston
as Palmer
Tony Ballen
as Sheriff Gates
Celia Milius
as Woman in Bathtub
Scott McCartor
as Rick (as Scott McCarter)
Eric Lawson
as Guard
Richard Lockmiller
as Deputy
Cary J. Pitts
as Sergeant
Jo Jordan
as Mother
Crew
Director
- John McCauley
Writer
- Jerry Golding
- John McCauley
Producer
- John McCauley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Rattlers presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John McCauley 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 1976, 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 Rattlers took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 237 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rattlers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Mask of Fu Manchu, which focuses more on action than character development, Rattlers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Broken and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me explore similar territory, Rattlers 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 23, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
