Cast
View AllSteven Seagal
as Jonathan Cold
Tamara Davies
as Agent Amanda Stuart
John Pyper-Ferguson
as James Donovan
Julian Stone
as Michael Donovan
Angela Gots
as Stazi
Elizabeth Barondes
as Reporter
Noa Hegesh
as Julia
Ingrid Sonray
as CIA Agent Baker
Roman Varshavsky
as Fedor
Warren Derosa
as Sergey
Nicholas Davidoff
as Nicholi
Don Franklin
as Max Pierson
Timothy Carhart
as Greer
David St. James
as Macabe
Eddie Velez
as Brody
Crew
Director
- Alexander Gruszynski
Writer
- Martin Wheeler
Producer
- Andrew Stevens
- Steven Seagal
- David Ralph
- Kamal Aboukhater
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Black Dawn distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Alexander Gruszynski 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 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Dawn took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 287 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Dawn shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Duel, which focuses more on action than character development, Black Dawn offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Krull and Total Recall explore similar territory, Black Dawn 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: February 13, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $63,709
Where to Watch

