Cast
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Robert Powell
as Rupert 'Wolf' Wolfsen
Timothy Bottoms
as Major Elbert Stevens
Lisa Blount
as Leslie Peterson
Anne Heywood
as Frieda Shelley
Richard Johnson
as Ben Gannon
A.C. Weary
as Lt. George Barwell
Liam Sullivan
as Lemurian Elder
Jackson Bostwick
as Hunter Prime
Richard Beauchamp
as Santos Arias
Gary Carlos Cervantes
as Hector Lopez
Dick Curtis
as Lemurian
William Gribble
as Sgt. Neumann
Carl Spurlock
as Major Castillo
Jason Laskay
as Hunter Second
Tim Powell
as Jim White
Crew
Director
- Don Sharp
Producer
- Sandy Howard
- Robert D. Bailey
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Adventure/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. What Waits Below presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Don Sharp 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 1984, 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 What Waits Below took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 973 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While What Waits Below 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 Cave, which focuses more on action than character development, What Waits Below subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Descent and Where Butterflies Don't Fly explore similar territory, What Waits Below stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 19, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 28m
