Cast
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Crew
Director
- Robert Chenault
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Family/Horror/Mystery/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Red Room Riddle presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Chenault 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 1983, 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 Red Room Riddle took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 30 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 73 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1983, 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
Details
- Release Date: February 5, 1983
- Runtime: 30m