Cast
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Rod Cameron
as Jeff Keenan
Mary Murphy
as Ruth Vance
Meredith Edwards
as Doctor Maxwell
Peter Illing
as Paul Zakon
Carl Jaffe
as Doctor Hoff
Kay Callard
as Laura Maxwell
Carl Duering
as Blore
Roberta Huby
as Verna Berteaux
Felix Felton
as Commissaire
Larry Cross
as Brad Somers
Carlo Borelli
as Signore Kallini
John McCarthy
as Clark Denver
Jacques Cey
as French doctor
Armand Guinle
as French farmer
Malou Pantera
as Receptionist (Clinic)
Crew
Director
- Montgomery Tully
- David Paltenghi
Producer
- Alec C. Snowden
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Escapement explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Montgomery Tully 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 1958, 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 Escapement took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 940 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Escapement shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Double Indemnity, which focuses more on action than character development, Escapement offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Blow-Up and Arlington Road explore similar territory, Escapement 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: March 4, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 20m
