Cast
View All
Ally Sheedy
as Stephanie Speck
Steve Guttenberg
as Newton Crosby
Fisher Stevens
as Ben Jabituya
Austin Pendleton
as Howard Marner
G.W. Bailey
as Skroeder
Brian McNamara
as Frank
Tim Blaney
as Number 5 (voice)
Marvin J. McIntyre
as Duke
John Garber
as Otis
Penny Santon
as Mrs. Cepeda
Vernon Weddle
as General Washburne
Barbara Tarbuck
as Senator Mills
Tom Lawrence
as Howard Marner's Aide
Fred Slyter
as Norman
Billy Ray Sharkey
as Zack
Crew
Director
- John Badham
Writer
- Brent Maddock
Producer
- David Foster
- Lawrence Turman
- Gregg Champion
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Short Circuit explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director John Badham 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 1986, 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 Short Circuit took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Short Circuit shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Akihabara@DEEP, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Short Circuit subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Making Contact explore similar territory, Short Circuit 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: May 9, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $40,697,761
