Cast
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Henry Thomas
as Billy Isaacs
James Wilder
as Carl Isaacs
Stephen Shellen
as Wayne Coleman
Errol Slue
as George Dungee
Susan Bayliss
as Mary
Warren Van Evera
as Ned
Roger Barnes
as Jerry
David MacKay
as Jimmy
John Fox
as Aubrey
John Lefebvre
as Shuggie
Peter Faussett
as Richard
Tracy Brett
as Cheri
Kirsten Kieferle
as Lori
Timothy Burd
as Angel
Kim Bourne
as Sylvia
Crew
Director
- Graeme Campbell
Writer
- Fleming B. Fuller
Producer
- Nicolas Stiliadis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Murder One examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Graeme Campbell 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 1988, 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 Murder One took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder One shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Se7en, which focuses more on action than character development, Murder One subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chinatown and 2046 explore similar territory, Murder One 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: September 23, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 23m
