Cast
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Austin Stoker
as Ethan Bishop
Darwin Joston
as Napoleon Wilson
Laurie Zimmer
as Leigh
Martin West
as Lawson
Tony Burton
as Wells
Charles Cyphers
as Starker
Nancy Kyes
as Julie
Peter Bruni
as Ice Cream Man
John J. Fox
as Warden
Marc Ross
as Patrolman Tramer
Alan Koss
as Patrolman Baxter
Henry Brandon
as Chaney
Kim Richards
as Kathy
Frank Doubleday
as White Warlord
Gilbert De la Pena
as Chicano Warlord
Crew
Director
- John Carpenter
Writer
- John Carpenter
Producer
- J. Stein Kaplan
Reviews
chris.tmdb
Awesome film one of my all time favorite movies Plus (Great soundtrack)
Nov 4, 2014
John Chard
There are no heroes anymore, Bishop. Just men who follow orders.
Assault on Precinct 13 is written, directed, edited and musically scored by John Carpenter. It stars Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, Tony Burton, Charles Cyphers and Nancy Kyes. Cinematography is by Douglas Knapp.
If you are going to homage films that you love, or ones that influence you, then you have to get it right. Something John Carpenter most assuredly did with this, his first masterpiece. Plot and structure of film are simplicity extreme, but it's the execution that matters here, the cool veneer of the hero characters, the frightening relentlessness of the gang members who assault the soon to close down police station and the small number of inhabitants within. Interestingly it's actually Precinct 9, Division 13, but Carpenter was no doubt in a playful mood.
Carpenter builds the first half slowly, introducing key characters whilst deftly staging the events that will lead to the actual siege itself. This part of Los Angeles where the story is set is conspicuous by how empty and soulless it seems, even in daylight, which is where the terror actually begins. It's as if residents and locals just prefer to be off the streets at any time of day or night.
The gang, like the folk inside the station, are multiracial, but unlike those inside the gang never speak. They move like silent assassins, no shouting or cussing, just a tidal wave of death, their guns adorned with silencers, which leads to a truly brilliant extended sequence as the gang begin to destroy the building silently! Meanwhile relationships are being formed by those under duress, convicts and police forced to battle side by side in the slightest hope of surviving the night.
There is no flab on show here, no pointless dialogue or scenes which could have been cut, it's a film that is very much to the point. The cast respond well to Carpenter's requirements, be it emotionally, physically or coolly, all while Carpenter's low tone synthesiser plays out its memorably eerie beats. It's a superb lesson in low budget film making from one of the masters of that art. His filmic star may have waned in his later life, but for a time in the 70s and 80s he shone bright, Assault On Precinct 13 was the ignition. 10/10
May 31, 2015
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Thriller/Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Assault on Precinct 13 distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director John Carpenter 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 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Assault on Precinct 13 took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1749 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Assault on Precinct 13 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which focuses more on action than character development, Assault on Precinct 13 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Black Coal, Thin Ice and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead explore similar territory, Assault on Precinct 13 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 8, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Budget: $150,000
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