Cast
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Peter Berg
as Bud Miller
Kevin Dillon
as Mel Avakian
Arye Gross
as Stan Shutzer
Ethan Hawke
as Will Knott
Gary Sinise
as Vance 'Mother' Wilkins
Frank Whaley
as Paul 'Father' Mundy
John C. McGinley
as Major Griffin
Larry Joshua
as Lieutenant Ware
David Jensen
as Sergeant Hunt
Curt Lowens
as Older German Soldier
Rachel Griffin
as Janice
Tim Shoemaker
as Eddie
Kelly Gately
as Young German Soldier
Bill Osborn
as American Sentry
Andre Lamal
as German Soldier
Crew
Director
- Keith Gordon
Producer
- Dale Pollock
- Bill Borden
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Christmas is near on the snowy Western Front in WW2**_
In the beginning stages of the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, a reconnaissance patrol is sent ahead in the Ardennes forest on the border of France and Germany where they encounter some German soldiers. Who will survive to celebrate Christmas?
“A Midnight Clear” (1992) is an obscure artistic WW2 movie focusing on a patrol in the wintery sylvan landscapes of the Battle of the Bulge. It’s more realistic than the surreal “Castle Keep” (1969), but it reminds me a little of that arty flick.
While a couple of scenes could’ve been more convincingly executed and some elements of the story are unlikely or weird, it’s almost an exact recounting of author William Wharton’s actual experiences (he wrote the 1982 novel the script was based on). Director/scriptwriter Keith Gordon desperately wanted to plainly state “This is a true story” at the beginning, but the lawyers wouldn’t allow it. As such, the supposed disclaimer during the end credits is vaguely worded for legal reasons.
Speaking of Keith, you may remember him as the protagonist in “Jaws 2” (1978) and, especially, “Christine” (1982).
In any case, I appreciated the wintery war ambiance in the woods with cast members from “Platoon” (Kevin Dillon and John C. McGinley), “Dead Poets Society” (Ethan Hawke) and “Forrest Gump” (Gary Sinise). I also liked the inventive approach, the music, and the depiction of this handful of young men united in a struggle of life and death. While the middle starts to get a little tedious and questionable there is a turning point and, from there, the film is quite compelling.
The film closes with a haunting rendition of "It Came upon a Midnight Clear" by Sam Phillips as the credits scroll. I felt moved and reflected.
The movie runs 1 hour, 48 minutes, and was shot in the Park City area of north-central Utah.
GRADE: B
Nov 25, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Midnight Clear 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 Keith Gordon 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 1992, 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 A Midnight Clear took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1412 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1992, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Midnight Clear shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Before the Fall, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Midnight Clear offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Alone and Echelon of Doctor M explore similar territory, A Midnight Clear 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: April 24, 1992
- Runtime: 1h 48m
Where to Watch
