Cast
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Brandon Quintin Adams
as Fool
Everett McGill
as Man
Wendy Robie
as Woman
A. J. Langer
as Alice
Ving Rhames
as Leroy
Sean Whalen
as Roach
Bill Cobbs
as Grandpa Booker
Kelly Jo Minter
as Ruby
Jeremy Roberts
as Spencer
Conni Marie Brazelton
as Mary
Josh Coxx
as Young Cop
David Robinson
as Person Under the Stairs (uncredited)
John Hostetter
as Veteran Cop
George R. Parker
as Attic Cop
John Mahon
as Police Sergeant
Crew
Director
- Wes Craven
Writer
- Wes Craven
Producer
- Stuart M. Besser
- Marianne Maddalena
Reviews
tmdb28039023
The plot follows a boy and two adult thieves who, after breaking in to steal a collection of rare coins, become trapped in a house belonging to a strange couple. These thieves are so inept they leave their van parked next to the house, in full view of a couple of policemen who are even more inept; “This truck was used to rob a liquor store last night,” they inform the homeowners, whereupon they just drive off, leaving the getaway vehicle right where it is (but then cops are always incompetent in a Wes Craven film; cf. The Last House on the Left).
The inside of the house, which appears to have been designed by serial killer H.H. Holmes, is full of booby traps, including a door whose knob has been rigged to deliver electric shocks – in one hilarious scene, young Fool (Brandon Quintin Adams) grabs the doorknob with one hand while holding Leroy's (Ving Rhames) hand with the other; Leroy’s other hand is currently between a Rottweiler’s fangs, and the electrical charge travels through the two intruders and knocks out the dog.
The People Under the Stairs is like a Scooby Doo episode with a lot more blood in it; it’s indeed so ludicrous that the stolen coins are meant to pay for “mom's operation.” Having said that, there’s no question it was Craven’s intention all along to make a comedy. Moreover, it's impossible not to have a soft spot for a movie that includes a kid punching a Rottweiler in the face, an homage to The Shining, and the aforementioned dog going on an unexpected ride down a homemade slide, all in the space of just over three minutes.
Aug 27, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The People Under the Stairs presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Wes Craven 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 1991, 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 People Under the Stairs took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1900 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The People Under the Stairs shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Judgment Night, which focuses more on action than character development, The People Under the Stairs subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Dark and The Little Things explore similar territory, The People Under the Stairs stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 1, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $31,400,000
