Cast
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Wilford Brimley
as Dr. Andrew McCallister
Michael Ironside
as Capt. Neal Braddock
Martin Balsam
as Alexander Rostov
Damir Andrei
as Col. Alexander Kalsinov
Tom Butler
as Maj. Kurt Steiner
Wendy Crewson
as Irene Tremayne
Scot Denton
as David Tremayne
Peter Dvorsky
as Mitch Carlino
Léo Ilial
as Dr. Phillipe Berdoux (as Leo Ilial)
Alan Jordan
as Jeffrey Kilbride
Jan Rubeš
as Gregory Denarenko
Cathie Shirriff
as Olga Denarenko
Kate Trotter
as Pamela Cooper
Nerene Virgin
as Dr. Margaret Leigh
Alberta Watson
as Dominica Mastrelli
Crew
Director
- Steven Hilliard Stern
Writer
- Wesley Ferguson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Crime/Science Fiction/TV Movie/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Murder in Space presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Steven Hilliard Stern 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, 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 Murder in Space took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 409 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- 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 Murder in Space shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Criticsized, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Murder in Space subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Raw Nerve and The Penguin Pool Murder explore similar territory, Murder in Space stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 28, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 35m
