Cast
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John Derek
as Hitchhiker
Aldo Ray
as Sheriff
Arthur O'Connell
as Sam Wilson
Ursula Andress
as Marsha Wilson
Sammy Davis Jr.
as Truck driver
Allyn Joslyn
as Rock Club leader
Keenan Wynn
as Junk dealer
George Tobias
as Gideon
John Marley
as Hogan, Gas station owner
Lurene Tuttle
as Gideon's wife
Robert Duvall
as Motorcyclist
Richard Jaeckel
as Motorcyclist
Chick Chandler
as Bartender
John Sebastian
as Sheriff's deputy
Crew
Director
- Marc Lawrence
- John Derek
Writer
- Fanya Foss
- Ted Thomas
- George Fass
- Marc Lawrence
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Nightmare in the Sun examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Marc Lawrence 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1965, 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 Nightmare in the Sun took approximately 9 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 102 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1809 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Nightmare in the Sun 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 Postman Always Rings Twice, which focuses more on action than character development, Nightmare in the Sun subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dahmer and Hyena explore similar territory, Nightmare in the Sun stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 6, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 20m
