Cast
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Christian Slater
as Brian Kelly
Steven Bauer
as Al Lucero
Richard Herd
as Ed Lawndale
Ed Lauter
as Mr. Kelly
Le Tuan
as Colonel Trac
Peter Kwong
as Bobby Nguyen
Charles Cyphers
as Harvey McGill
Micole Mercurio
as Mrs. Kelly
Min Luong
as Tina Trac
Art Chudabala
as Vinh Kelly
Max Perlich
as Yabbo
Tony Hawk
as Buddy
Tommy Guerrero
as Sam
Christian Jacobs
as Gremic
Joe Gosha
as Nick Oliver
Crew
Director
- Graeme Clifford
Writer
- Michael Tolkin
Producer
- David Foster
- Lawrence Turman
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
Yeah, it's not the best movie. It could actually be a lot better... but it is entertaining as all.... heck?
Even if you aren't hip to the whole skater thing, this is a seriously fun movie to watch in the cheap 80s action/adventure kind of way. It has a compelling enough police drama vide, even if most of the action is centered around skateboarding... which is also fun to watch.
I honestly think a lot of the distaste comes from the fact that it is capitalizing on what was, in the 80s, seen as a passing fad.
But the story is still solid for what it is. It has a good message about family ties. It has actual character growth. The story is something that Hollywood has forgotten to do lately, make a compelling narrative. But this somehow manages to accomplish that and still, you know, exploit the skater phenomenon that was sweeping the nation at the time.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Thriller/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Gleaming the Cube distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Graeme Clifford 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 1989, 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 Gleaming the Cube took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gleaming the Cube shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Things, which focuses more on action than character development, Gleaming the Cube offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Inland Empire and Angel explore similar territory, Gleaming the Cube 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: January 13, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $2,777,280
Where to Watch
