Cast
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Jennifer Grey
as Elaine Taylor
Michael Ironside
as Sgt. Ernie Hansen
Patricia Charbonneau
as Carolyn Price
Currie Graham
as Wade Simms
Costas Mandylor
as George G. Kendall
David McNally
as Dan Goldberg
Daryl Shuttleworth
as Mark Anderson
M. Emmet Walsh
as Raymond Garrison
Kenneth Welsh
as Jim Miller
Crew
Director
- Bill Corcoran
Producer
- Bruce Harvey
- Shauna Shapiro Jackson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Portraits of a Killer represents a fascinating example of Thriller/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Bill Corcoran 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, 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 Portraits of a Killer took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: May 21, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 33m