Cast
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Anthony Eisley
as Mark Remington
Scott Brady
as Dan Morgan
Kent Taylor
as Tonga Jack Adams
Gary Kent
as Arnold Shye
Megan Timothy
as April Adams
Greydon Clark
as Dan Remington
Sheldon Lee
as Kabula
Lee Parrish
as George
William Bonner
as Brandon
Bruce Kimball
as The Witch Doctor / Mort
Gary Graver
as Bill
David L. Hewitt
as Gorga
Crew
Director
- David L. Hewitt
Producer
- David L. Hewitt
- Robert Vincent O'Neil
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Adventure/Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Mighty Gorga presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director David L. Hewitt 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 1969, 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 Mighty Gorga took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1969, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mighty Gorga shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Wings of Desire, which focuses more on action than character development, The Mighty Gorga offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ombis: Alien Invasion and Gerry explore similar territory, The Mighty Gorga 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: July 19, 1969
- Runtime: 1h 24m
