Cast
View AllAlexandra
as Hecate
John Hayden
as Irving
Howard Honig
as Murray Mogul
Bob O'Neil
as The Projectionist
Jeanne Lucas
as Zena Zoft
Catherine Bach
as Sue (archive footage)
Victor Buono
as Skippy (archive footage)
Leslie Caron
as Nicole (archive footage)
John Carradine
as Alcoholic Reporter (archive footage)
Wally Cox
as Clyde (archive footage)
Christopher George
as Lawyer (archive footage)
Ross Hagen
as Ross / Charlie Jacobs (archive footage)
Nancy Kwan
as Leslie (archive footage)
Mark Lawrence
as Zambrini (archive footage)
Julie Newmar
as Toy Company Executive (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Ross Hagen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Reel Horror presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ross Hagen 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 1985, 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 Reel Horror took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The film contains approximately 1139 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1985
Where to Watch
