Cast
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Jamie Bell
as Pfc. Charlie Shakespeare
Rúaidhrí Conroy
as Pvt. Colin Chevasse
Mike Downey
as Martin Plummer
Laurence Fox
as Capt. Bramwell Jennings
Roman Horák
as German soldier
Dean Lennox Kelly
as Pvt. Willie McNess
Torben Liebrecht
as Friedrich
Kris Marshall
as Pvt. Barry Starinski
Hans Matheson
as Pvt. Jack Hawkstone
Hugh O'Conor
as Anthony Bradford
Matthew Rhys
as Cpl. Doc Fairweather
Andy Serkis
as Pvt. Thomas Quinn
Hugo Speer
as Sgt. David Tate
Pavel Tesař
as Mudman
Trevor Bennett
as Soldier (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- M.J. Bassett
Producer
- Mike Downey
- Frank Hübner
- Sam Taylor
Reviews
Gimly
Techically unimpressive, but an interesting story well-acted.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Jan 20, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller/War film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Deathwatch presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director M.J. Bassett 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 2002, 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 Deathwatch took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 376 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2081 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Deathwatch shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Southern Comfort, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Deathwatch offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sarajevo and The Fog of War explore similar territory, Deathwatch 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 6, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Revenue: $2,300,000
Where to Watch
