Cast
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Meredith Baxter
as Kate Stark
Ben Masters
as Jack Stark
Georgann Johnson
as Faith
Tracy Nelson
as Patch Reed
Shari Belafonte
as
Leslie Bevis
as
Ed Asner
as Dr. Resnick
Mackenzie Phillips
as Dayna
Summer Phoenix
as Rebecca
Sharon Spelman
as Liz Reed
Mindy Seeger
as Markie
Isabel Grandin
as Dot
Liz Torres
as Laura
Gwynne Gilford
as Lorna
Rosanna Huffman
as Megan
Crew
Director
- Arthur Allan Seidelman
Producer
- Robert Papazian
- Stephanie Austin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Kate's Secret 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 Arthur Allan Seidelman 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 1986, 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 Kate's Secret took approximately 27 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 141 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kate's Secret shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kate's Secret subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Hole and Life Is Sweet explore similar territory, Kate's Secret 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: November 17, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
