Cast
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Desi Arnaz Jr.
as Andy Reed
Season Hubley
as Pam Rainey
Anthony Zerbe
as Dr. Wellman
Michael Margotta
as Al Reed
Jack Soo
as Dr. Osikawa
Jay Robinson
as Dr. Mayhill
Bill Striglos
as Lab Instructor
Jennifer Kulik
as Sue Stern
Eleanor Zee
as Cashier
Karen Anders
as Dean's Secretary
Clay Tanner
as Police Officer
Diane Cary
as Newspaper Ad Clerk
Eddie Quillan
as Janitor
Sharon Madigan
as Dr. Wellman's Nurse
Jenny Goman
as Little Girl
Crew
Director
- Stuart Hagmann
Writer
- Elizabeth Gill
Producer
- Stan Margulies
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, She Lives! 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 Stuart Hagmann 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 1973, 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 She Lives! took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While She Lives! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rocky Balboa, which focuses more on action than character development, She Lives! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Immortal and Crying 100 Times - Every Raindrop Falls explore similar territory, She Lives! 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: September 12, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 14m
