Cast
View AllShannon Lucio
as Caril-Ann Fugate
Lance Henriksen
as The Mentor
Keir O'Donnell
as Bob Von Buch
America Young
as Barbara Fugate
Brent Taylor
as Charles Starkweather
Al Sapienza
as Deputy Dale Fahrnbruch
William Frederick Knight
as Robert McClurg
Jerry Kroll
as Sheriff Merle Karnopp
Steven K. Grabowsky
as The Dark Man
Rodney Ballard
as Young Charles
George Lindsey Jr.
as Guy Starkweather
Justin Ipock
as Bobby Colvert
Marianne Emma Jeff
as Velda Bartlett
Fred Russell
as Marion Bartlett
Sierra Paris
as Betty Jean Bartlett
Crew
Director
- Byron Werner
Writer
- Stephen Johnston
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Starkweather presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Byron Werner 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 2004, 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 Starkweather took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2382 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: November 8, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 32m