Cast
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Peter Weller
as Steven Beck
Richard Crenna
as Dr. Glen 'Doc' Thompson
Amanda Pays
as Elizabeth 'Willie' Williams
Daniel Stern
as Buzz 'Sixpack' Parrish
Ernie Hudson
as Justin Jones
Michael Carmine
as Tony 'DeJesus' Rodero
Lisa Eilbacher
as Bridget Bowman
Héctor Elizondo
as C.P. Cobb
Meg Foster
as Ms. Martin
Eugene Lipinski
as Russian Ship Captain
Larry Dolgin
as Helicopter Pilot
Pascal Druant
as Winch Operator
Steve Pelot
as Winch Operator
Tom Woodruff Jr.
as Lead Creature (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- George P. Cosmatos
Producer
- Aurelio De Laurentiis
- Luigi De Laurentiis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Adventure/Horror/Thriller/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Leviathan presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director George P. Cosmatos 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 Leviathan took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2293 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Leviathan shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Titan A.E., which focuses more on action than character development, Leviathan subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Idiocracy and The Wave explore similar territory, Leviathan 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: March 17, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $15,704,614
Where to Watch
