Cast
View AllEddie Ryder
as Man on the Street / Obscene Caller / Chief Looney
Michael Heit
as Tenant / Dad / Soup Waiter
Cindy Morgan
as Elaine
Rick Dillon
as Bachelor / White / Elephant Man
Tallie Cochrane
as Lady
Thomas Newman
as Doctor / Plainclothesman #1 / Soup Man / Tommy
Don Edmonds
as Patient / Bee Man's Friend
Belinda Balaski
as Helen
Michael Pataki
as Virgil / Virgil's Father
Stafford Morgan
as Steven / Atlanta Man
Jill Jacobson
as Lady Patient
Patrick Wright
as Michael (as John Simmons)
Dyanne Thorne
as Manicurist
Becky Sharpe
as Mary Lou Perkins
John F. Goff
as John / Devil
Crew
Director
- Eddie Ryder
- John Hayes
Writer
- Eddie Ryder
- Chris Warfield
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Up Yours represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Eddie Ryder 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 1979, 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 Up Yours took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Up Yours shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Raising Arizona, which focuses more on action than character development, Up Yours subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit explore similar territory, Up Yours 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: January 5, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 27m