Cast
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Donald Sutherland
as Dr. Thomas Vrain
John Marley
as Edgar Fine
Sharon Acker
as Tilla Vrain
Mare Winningham
as Carol Severance
Jeff Goldblum
as Dr. Aldo Gehring
Michael Lerner
as Henry De Vici
Richard Blackburn
as Dr. Cutter
Michael C. Gwynne
as Jay Wingate
Robert Joy
as David Art
Allan F. Nicholls
as Dr. Basil Rents
Kate Trotter
as Mrs. Anderson
Lally Cadeau
as Anita, Vrain's Secretary
Stuart Gillard
as Dick Getts
Barbara Gordon
as Wanda, Vrain's Scrub Nurse
Samantha Langevin
as Mrs. Clure
Crew
Director
- Richard Pearce
Writer
- James Salter
Producer
- Jon Slan
- Michael Burns
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Threshold 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 Pearce 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 1981, 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 Threshold took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 487 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Threshold shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Heartless, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Threshold offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Good Heart and Das Wunder von Kapstadt explore similar territory, Threshold 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: September 19, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 37m
