Cast
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Crispin Glover
as Simon / Stanley
Margo Harshman
as Kate
Greg Cipes
as Zack
Kelly Vitz
as Ashley
Carrie Finklea
as Vicky
Artie Baxter
as Riff
Lori Lively
as Lonnie
Bruce Glover
as Sam
Blake Lively
as Jenny
Oliver Dear
as Hitchhiker
Leila Johnson
as Molly
Erica Hubbard
as Sommer
Bart Johnson
as Garth
Daniella Monet
as Sarah
Kelly Blatz
as Will
Crew
Director
- William Dear
Writer
- William Dear
Producer
- Ernie Lively
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Simon Says presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director William Dear 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 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Simon Says took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 298 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Simon Says shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cry_Wolf, which focuses more on action than character development, Simon Says offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rust 3 and ESPERANZA explore similar territory, Simon Says 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: September 25, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Budget: $3,000,000
