Cast
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Faye Dunaway
as Sister Aimee Semple McPherson
Bette Davis
as Minnie Kennedy
James Sloyan
as Dist. Atty. Asa Keyes
James Woods
as Asst. Dist. Atty. Joseph Ryan
John Lehne
as Capt. Cline
Lelia Goldoni
as Emma Shaffer
Severn Darden
as S.I. Gilbert
William Jordan
as Kenneth Ormiston
Sandy Ward
as Judge Blake
Barry Brown
as Wallace Moore
Irby Smith
as Benedict
Hartley Silver
as Clerk
Rena Andrews
as
Lucian Benrier
as
Paul Feliz
as
Crew
Director
- Anthony Harvey
Writer
- John McGreevey
Producer
- Paul Leaf
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Disappearance of Aimee 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 Anthony Harvey 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 1976, 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 The Disappearance of Aimee took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 162 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Disappearance of Aimee shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Capote, which focuses more on action than character development, The Disappearance of Aimee offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Braveheart and Dead Poets Society explore similar territory, The Disappearance of Aimee stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 17, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 40m
