Cast
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George Mallaby
as Robert Gifford
John Waters
as Mark Gifford
Ken Goodlet
as Supt. Cheadle
Delvene Delaney
as Janine Talbort
Charles Tingwell
as Dr. Fairburn
Belinda Giblin
as Margaret Gifford
Robert Hewett
as Sgt. Robinson
Kevin Miles
as Charlie Bricknall
Walter Pym
as Stanley Lipton
Sheila Florance
as Mavis Lipton
Reg Gorman
as TV Reporter
Val Lehman
as
Crew
Director
- Tim Burstall
Writer
- Tim Burstall
Producer
- Tim Burstall
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
End Play represents a fascinating example of Thriller 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 Tim Burstall 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 1976, 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 End Play took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 404 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While End Play shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Purple Noon, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, End Play offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Broken Embraces and Mad Max explore similar territory, End Play 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 1, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 54m
