Cast
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Kate Mulgrew
as Sharon Martin
Rip Torn
as Artie Taggart
James Naughton
as Steve Peterson
Shawn von Schreiber
as Julie Peterson
Barbara Baxley
as Lally
Stephen Joyce
as Detective Taylor
James Russo
as Ronald Thompson
William Hickey
as Maxi
David Allen Brooks
as Big Bum
Jason Robards III
as Videotape Technician
Read Morgan
as Galloway
Gary Klar
as Penitentiary Guard
Vincent Spano
as Gas Thief
Crew
Director
- Sean S. Cunningham
Writer
- Earl Mac Rauch
- Victor Miller
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. A Stranger Is Watching presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Sean S. Cunningham 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 1982, 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 A Stranger Is Watching took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 104 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- 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
While A Stranger Is Watching shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Diary of a Rapist, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Stranger Is Watching offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like James White and A Kind of Murder explore similar territory, A Stranger Is Watching 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: October 28, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $3,200,000
- Revenue: $2,519,559
