Cast
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Crispin Glover
as Layne
Keanu Reeves
as Matt
Ione Skye
as Clarissa
Roxana Zal
as Maggie
Daniel Roebuck
as Samson
Dennis Hopper
as Feck
Joshua John Miller
as Tim
Tom Bower
as Bennett
Danyi Deats
as Jamie
Constance Forslund
as Madeleine
Leo Rossi
as Jim
Phillip Brock
as Mike
Josh Richman
as Tony
Jim Metzler
as Burkewaite
Tammy L. Smith
as Kim
Crew
Director
- Tim Hunter
Writer
- Neal Jimenez
Producer
- Sarah Pillsbury
- Midge Sanford
Reviews
John Chard
Did the sight of this dead girl move you in any particular way?
River's Edge is directed by Director: Tim Hunter and written by Neal Jimenez. It stars Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Daniel Roebuck, Dennis Hopper, Joshua John Miller, Roxana Zal and Josh Richman, Music is by Jürgen Knieper and cinematography by Frederick Elmes.
When a group of high school friends discover that one of their social group has murdered another - his girlfriend - they all react in various ways...
Based on an actual murder incident in 1981, "River's Edge" is a deeply unsettling film in how it probes the troubling underbelly of American youth. Naturally considered controversal at the time of release, it is however a fascinatingly brave portrait of disaffected youth via home and school life. The various reactions each member of the group serve up is chilling whilst baffling considering the reality of it all.
The screenplay is high quality because it doesn't demonise the "kids" for their bizzare response to a tragedy in there circle, instead we get complex characterisations that are smartly portrayed by the young cast. They in turn are bolstered by another edgy off the wall turn by Hopper (he did Blue Velvet as well this year), where his ex biker drug peddler also has a murder in his past and has given his love to a blow-up doll named Ellie.
Troubling in many ways, a sort of nihlistic youth apocalypse that's amazingly handled with a calm honesty, this still decades later remains an important film. 7.5/10
Feb 29, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, River's Edge 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 Tim Hunter 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 1986, 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 River's Edge took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.9 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1986, 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 River's Edge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ferpect Crime, which focuses more on action than character development, River's Edge subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dead Ringers and The Hitcher explore similar territory, River's Edge 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 10, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $1,900,000
- Revenue: $4,600,000
