Cast
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Scott Glenn
as John Cain
Angela Alvarado
as Ray Whitesinger
Benjamin Bratt
as Nakai Twobear
Robert Beltran
as Frank Totsoni
Tim Sampson
as Alen Begay
George Aguilar
as Daniel Nez
Phillip Brock
as Detective Cooper
Frederick Flynn
as Captain Jake Bader
Beth Broderick
as Bobby Cain
Gloria Reuben
as Cayla
Lee de Broux
as P.J. Moore
Nancy Linehan Charles
as Hattie Moore
Shanna Reed
as Waitress
Crew
Director
- J.S. Cardone
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Action/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Shadowhunter presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director J.S. Cardone 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 1993, 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 Shadowhunter took approximately 15 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 113 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1386 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1993, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shadowhunter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Run, Simon, Run, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shadowhunter subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like When the Legends Die and Imprint explore similar territory, Shadowhunter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 10, 1993
- Runtime: 1h 33m
