Cast
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Patrick McGoohan
as Dr. Harvey Langston
Amanda Plummer
as Myrna Malloy
Joanne Vannicola
as Blair
Emmanuelle Vaugier
as Veronica Bloom
Gregory Hlady
as Syd Meeker
Joseph Wynne
as Bobby Corrado
Ralph Allison
as Hollister Watchel
Louis Di Bianco
as Mr. Corrado Sr.
Jocelyne Zucco
as Mrs. Corrado
Lynn Snelling
as Nympho
Michael Maloney
as Dr. Samuel Fry
Sam Stone
as Vern Huckabee
David Francis
as Dr. Andrew Miller
Mark Bromilow
as Dr. Dan Wyatt
Rodrigue Proteau
as Bald Man
Crew
Director
- René Daalder
Writer
- René Daalder
Producer
- Kay Salomon Marchand
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hysteria presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director René Daalder 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 1997, 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 Hysteria took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 107 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- 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 Hysteria shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Shining, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hysteria subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like End Trip and Poor Things explore similar territory, Hysteria 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: October 1, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 40m
