Cast
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Steve Austin
as Stone Cold Steve Austin
Paul Lévesque
as Triple H
Mick Foley
as Mankind
Jesse Ventura
as Referee
Dwayne Johnson
as The Rock
Monty Sopp
as Mr. Ass
Mark Calaway
as The Undertaker
Paul Wight
as Big Show
Sean Waltman
as X-Pac
Glenn Jacobs
as Kane
Andrew Martin
as Test
Shane McMahon
as Himself
Ken Kilpatrick
as Ken Shamrock
Steve Blackman
as "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman
Lisa Moretti
as Ivory
Crew
Director
- Vince McMahon
Writer
- Vince McMahon
- Ed Ferrara
- Pat Patterson
- Bruce Prichard
- Vince Russo
- Jim Cornette
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, WWE SummerSlam 1999 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 Vince McMahon 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 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of WWE SummerSlam 1999 took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 159 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 208 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 420 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While WWE SummerSlam 1999 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike NJPW G1 Climax 29: Day 15, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, WWE SummerSlam 1999 offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like WWE Fastlane 2021 and NJPW G1 Climax 29: Day 19 (Final) explore similar territory, WWE SummerSlam 1999 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 22, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 39m
