Cast
View AllJonathan Brandis
as Chad Lear
Tatyana Ali
as Sharon McKay
Charlotte Ross
as Ann Price
Paul Scherrer
as Paul Lear
Sean Murray
as Jerry Price
Marco Sanchez
as Nico
Brian Markinson
as Detective Porter
Danielle Nicolet
as Tracey
Ben Immanuel
as John Richmond
Jason Nash
as Evan Clark
Ted Bradford
as Minister
Allan Morgan
as Mr. Renquist
Dean Mckenzie
as Patrolman
April Telek
as Flight Attendant
Gerry Rousseau
as Gas Jockey
Crew
Director
- Mark Sobel
Producer
- Stephanie Hagen
- Harriet Brown
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Fall Into Darkness represents a fascinating example of Mystery/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 Mark Sobel 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 Fall Into Darkness took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1210 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fall Into Darkness 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 Name of the Rose, which focuses more on action than character development, Fall Into Darkness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rebecca and The Thirteenth Floor explore similar territory, Fall Into Darkness 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: November 25, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 28m