Cast
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Shannon Tweed
as Andrea
Sam J. Jones
as Joe
James Gammon
as Bronski
Rebecca Ferratti
as Christine
Miguel A. Núñez Jr.
as Bugs
Tom Fridley
as Mike
Branscombe Richmond
as Tony
Jack Bannon
as Medical Examiner
Wendy Shawn
as Heather
John Marino
as Barney
Harold Green
as John-Cab
Al Goto
as Naburo
Jayne Krashin
as Lily
Sam Travolta
as Fred
Gino Dentie
as Bartender
Crew
Director
- Joey Travolta
Writer
- Rich Dillon
- Joey Travolta
Producer
- Joey Travolta
- Craig Respol
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Hard Vice 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 Joey Travolta 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 1994, 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 Hard Vice took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 312 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1749 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- 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 Hard Vice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hard Vice subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Big Black Sow and Silent Witness explore similar territory, Hard Vice 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: July 27, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 26m
