Cast
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Stephen Collins
as Pete Casimir
Larry Gates
as President Alan Doby
Christine Lahti
as Dr. Louise Casimir
Jason Miller
as Dr. Tom Henderson
Nehemiah Persoff
as Prof. Leo Tedeschi
David Spielberg
as Mayor Frank Bellona
Josef Sommer
as Dr. Martin Grossman
Peter Evans
as Harold
Kenneth Kimmins
as Dr. Lewis Halloran
Mark Hulcher
as Boy
Andrew Early
as Youth
Glenn E. Crane
as Professor
Lalla Rolfe
as Woman
David Kilgore
as Nelson Chase
Anne Goodwin
as Irene Forster Dodd
Crew
Director
- Waris Hussein
Writer
- Ernest Kinoy
Producer
- Robert Berger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This TV Movie/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Henderson Monster presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Waris Hussein 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 The Henderson Monster took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- 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 The Henderson Monster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Requiem, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Henderson Monster offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Blob and Prince of Darkness explore similar territory, The Henderson Monster 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: May 27, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 45m
