Cast
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Rutger Hauer
as John Tanner
John Hurt
as Lawrence Fassett
Craig T. Nelson
as Bernard Osterman
Dennis Hopper
as Richard Tremayne
Chris Sarandon
as Joseph Cardone
Meg Foster
as Ali Tanner
Helen Shaver
as Virginia Tremayne
Cassie Yates
as Betty Cardone
Sandy McPeak
as Walter Stennings
Christopher Starr
as Steve Tanner
Burt Lancaster
as Maxwell Danforth
Cheryl Carter
as Marcia Heller
John Bryson
as Honeymoon Groom
Anne Haney
as Honeymoon Bride
Kristen Peckinpah
as Tremayne's Secretary
Crew
Director
- Sam Peckinpah
Producer
- Peter S. Davis
- William N. Panzer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Osterman Weekend 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 Sam Peckinpah 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 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 Osterman Weekend took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Osterman Weekend shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Making Family, which focuses more on action than character development, The Osterman Weekend subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Forever Purge and Con Air explore similar territory, The Osterman Weekend 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: October 14, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Revenue: $6,486,797
Where to Watch
