Cast
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Crew
Director
- Chor Yuen
Writer
- Chor Yuen
- Yau Kei
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ghost That Was Not presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Chor Yuen 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 1961, 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 Ghost That Was Not took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 5, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 29m