Cast
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Janet Margolin
as Judith Longdon
Bo Hopkins
as Art Reeves
Joseph Campanella
as Harry Skirvan
Powers Boothe
as Dick Hawkins
Jordan Charney
as Mr. Orr
J.A. Preston
as Dr. Samuels
Nicholas Pryor
as Dave Gildea
Bibi Besch
as Barbara O'Neill
Judith Penrod
as Dr. Montgomery
Margaret Martin
as Woman with Groceries
Larry Musser
as N.O.N. Guard
Blu Mankuma
as Benny
Christian Bruyère
as Sam
Don MacKay
as Head of Personnel
Stephen E. Miller
as Haskins
Crew
Director
- Richard Michaels
Producer
- Malcolm R. Harding
- David Susskind
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Plutonium Incident 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 Richard Michaels 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 1980, 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 The Plutonium Incident took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 370 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 1980, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Plutonium Incident shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pandora, which focuses more on action than character development, The Plutonium Incident offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Be Kind Rewind and The Cloud explore similar territory, The Plutonium Incident 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: March 11, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 30m
