Cast
View AllSally Lockett
as Jenny Bradley
Nicholas Jacquez
as Mark Davis
Bob Elliott
as Luke
Walter Addison
as Mason
R. E. Roudebush
as Dreyer
Steve Scearcy
as Gandon
Leonard Belove
as Tony Lomas
Susie Gardner
as Shari
Jane McMahon
as Del
Annie Ambler
as
Mary Alpert
as
Jerry Strausbaugh
as
Melvin Murray
as
Bryson Allen
as
Max Strausbaugh
as
Crew
Director
- Bob Bliss
Writer
- Bob Bliss
Producer
- Bud Hastin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Vengeance presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bob Bliss 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, 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 Vengeance took approximately 35 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 147 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 499 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- 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 Vengeance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Balearic Caper, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Vengeance offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Trespass and The Border explore similar territory, Vengeance 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: January 1, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 29m
