Cast
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William Wellman Jr.
as David Michaels
Susan Plumb
as Kathy
Patty Dunning
as Patty Myers
Russ Doughten
as Reverend Matthew Turner
Wenda Shereos
as
Ty Hardin
as The Missionary
Thom Rachford
as Jerry Bradford (as Tom Rachford)
Maryann Rachford
as Diane Bradford
Sandy Christen
as
David Crabtree
as
Ben Sampson
as
Justin Craig
as
Herb Brown
as (as Herbert Brown)
Crew
Director
- Donald W. Thompson
Producer
- Donald W. Thompson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror/Thriller/Fantasy/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Image of the Beast presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Donald W. Thompson 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 1981, 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 Image of the Beast took approximately 11 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 152 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Image of the Beast 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 Rapture, which focuses more on action than character development, Image of the Beast subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Junebug and The Pink Room explore similar territory, Image of the Beast 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: May 3, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
