Cast
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Ted Bessell
as Jesse Hooten
Cloris Leachman
as Nurse Betty Nelson
Dolph Sweet
as Donald Bradshaw
Cheryl Anderson
as Jill
LeVar Burton
as Rodney
Shawn Timothy Kennedy
as Charlie
Mark Gear
as Benny
Tim Stone
as Aaron
Patrick Lewis
as Stewart
Jay Rowell
as Spider
Christian McIntire
as Hobson
Paul Davis
as Martin
Kate Finlayson
as Penny
Kimo Schulze
as Basil
Gary Jochimsen
as Ralph
Crew
Director
- Joan Tewkesbury
Producer
- Peter Katz
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Acorn People 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 Joan Tewkesbury 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 The Acorn People took approximately 22 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 124 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 315 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2087 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 The Acorn People shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike How It Ends, which focuses more on action than character development, The Acorn People offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ma Belle, My Beauty and War Pony explore similar territory, The Acorn People stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 2, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 40m
