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WCW The Great American Bash 1991
10.0

WCW The Great American Bash 1991 (1991)

Jul 14, 1991 2h 50m Action

The Great American Bash (1991) took place on July 14, 1991 at the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The card was originally to be highlighted by a Steel cage match between Ric Flair and Lex Luger for the WCW World title. Two weeks before the show, WCW Executive VP Jim Herd fired Flair over a contract dispute, stripping him of the title. Flair took possession of the WCW World title and brought it to the World Wrestling Federation with him. A new belt could not be readied in time for the event, so the company was forced to improvise. A Championship Wrestling title belt that was in the possession of Dusty Rhodes was used and a metal plate with "WCW World Heavyweight Champion" was attached to the front. The main event ended up being WCW US Champ Lex Luger vs Varry Windham for the WCW World Title. On the undercard was a match featuring Steve Austin & Terry Taylor versus Bobby Eaton & P.N. News in a Capture-The-Flag scaffold match, which was Austin's first PPV match.

Directed by Craig Leathers

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Craig Leathers

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, WCW The Great American Bash 1991 distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.

Director Craig Leathers 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 1991, 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 WCW The Great American Bash 1991 took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 170 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 218 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 344 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1991, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While WCW The Great American Bash 1991 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike WWF: Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, WCW The Great American Bash 1991 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like WSU Uncensored Rumble V and WSU United explore similar territory, WCW The Great American Bash 1991 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: July 14, 1991
  • Runtime: 2h 50m