Cast
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Crew
Director
- Paul Ziller
Writer
- Andy Briggs
Producer
- John Prince
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
I want to give props to Nicholas Lea, the man can act, and he can really sell the role he's playing...even if he is in an absolutely horrible movie. So, big hats off to him for bringing his A-Game to this. He made the movie tolerable and I was actually able to finish it because of him.
However, well, the special effects showed too much. Had they hid it in the darkness more they could have saved money, made it look better, and it wouldn't have come across so much like a early 90s made for TV flick.
And it felt that good chunks of the script were written around the special effects and...that didn't help at all.
So the end result was a bad remake of a decent film (one that was clearly low budget and still managed to pull it off by NOT featuring a ton of FXs, with a horrible script...
...but a horrible script that had a fun cameo by Michael Pare for people like me...and a horrible script that Nicholas Lea still managed to sell despite having some of the dumbest and most misplaced lines imaginable.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, The Philadelphia Experiment 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 Paul Ziller 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 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Philadelphia Experiment took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Philadelphia Experiment shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Doctor Who: State of Decay, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Philadelphia Experiment offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Doctor Who: Warriors' Gate and Doctor Who: The Keeper of Traken explore similar territory, The Philadelphia Experiment stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: July 27, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
