Cast
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Art Hindle
as Frank Waite
Carole Laure
as Anouk Vanderlin
Shannon Tweed
as Lee Waite
Jim Bailey
as Eric
Michael Ironside
as George Kyber
Marilyn Lightstone
as Dr. Foreman
Jackie Burroughs
as Woman at Anouk's
Barbara Law
as Maggie Simpson
Gary Reineke
as John Manyon
Jonathan Welsh
as Brenner
Jean-Claude Poitras
as Fashion Designer
Dean Hagopian
as Drunk
Mark Burns
as Larry
Jim Hanley
as Waiter
Vlasta Vrana
as Bill
Crew
Director
- Don Carmody
Writer
- Don Carmody
- Robert Geoffrion
Producer
- John Dunning
- Don Carmody
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Thriller/Crime/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Surrogate presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Don Carmody 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 1984, 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 Surrogate took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 246 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1984, 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 The Surrogate shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Surrogate subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Big Black Sow and Sand Trap explore similar territory, The Surrogate stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 15, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 40m
