Cast
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Lea Thompson
as Christine Paley
Robert Loggia
as Lt. Mike Brosloe
LL Cool J
as Charles Red Taylor
Amanda Plummer
as Paulina Marcos
Christopher Lloyd
as Johnny Benjamin
Laura San Giacomo
as Nicole Savita
Fisher Stevens
as Dale Myerson
Judge Reinhold
as Buford Lowry
Patrick Dempsey
as Tom Harris
Carl Reiner
as Norman Friedler
Colleen Camp
as Mrs. Buford Lowry
Mary Pat Gleason
as Doris
Larry Joshua
as Sims
Kathe Mazur
as Dale's Girlfriend
Geoffrey Rivas
as Pedro Amendez
Crew
Director
- Hubert de La Bouillerie
Producer
- Thom Colwell
- Donna Dubrow
- John McTiernan
- Debbie Robins-de La Bouillerie
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Right to Remain Silent 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 Hubert de La Bouillerie 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 1996, 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 The Right to Remain Silent took approximately 23 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 140 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Right to Remain Silent shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Blood Work, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Right to Remain Silent subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Fulltime Killer and Convoy explore similar territory, The Right to Remain Silent 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: January 7, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 37m
Where to Watch
