Cast
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Adrian Pasdar
as Caleb Colton
Jenny Wright
as Mae
Lance Henriksen
as Jesse Hooker
Bill Paxton
as Severen
Jenette Goldstein
as Diamondback
Tim Thomerson
as Loy Colton
Joshua John Miller
as Homer
Marcie Leeds
as Sarah Colton
Kenny Call
as Deputy Sheriff
Ed Corbett
as Ticket Seller
Troy Evans
as Plainclothes Officer
Bill Cross
as Sheriff Eakers
Roger Aaron Brown
as Cajun Truck Driver
Thomas Wagner
as Bartender
Robert Winley
as Patron in Bar
Crew
Director
- Kathryn Bigelow
Producer
- Steven-Charles Jaffe
Reviews
Gimly
Thirty years on, and _Near Dark_ still holds up. A young Bill Paxton steals the show as a Texas vampire who's equal parts bikie and cowboy, even amongst such stars as Lance Henriksen and Adrian Pasdar. One of the most influential vampire films of all time, it's vibrations can still be felt in the monster movies of today, and while that's not always a good thing, it's noteworthy, and _Near Dark_ in and of itself is a great Southern Gothic tale for the modern world.
_Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
Oct 2, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Near Dark presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Kathryn Bigelow 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 Near Dark took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Near Dark 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 Reaping, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Near Dark offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Devil's Rejects and In My Skin explore similar territory, Near Dark stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 2, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $3,400,000
