Cast
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Glenn Corbett
as Neil Stryker
Cameron Mitchell
as George Benedict
Sharon Acker
as Dr. Bettina Cooke
Lew Ayres
as Prof. Dylan MacAuley
George Coulouris
as Max Greene
Dean Jagger
as Carl Webster
Steve Franken
as Henry Maitland
Tim O'Connor
as Dr. Revere
Jerry Douglas
as Steve Perry
Arch Whiting
as Mike Frome
H.M. Wynant
as Eric Stoner
William Bryant
as Truck Driver
Virginia Gregg
as Ward E Administrator
Steven Marlo
as Guard
Ben Wright
as Doctor
Crew
Director
- Lee H. Katzin
Writer
- Gerald Sanford
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Stranger examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lee H. Katzin 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 1973, 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 Stranger took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Stranger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beneath the Planet of the Apes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Stranger subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Apollo 13 and Solaris explore similar territory, The Stranger 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: February 26, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 34m
