Cast
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Valeria D'Obici
as Anna Berardi
Leonardo Treviglio
as Nicola Levi
Paolo Malco
as Inspector Piero Terzi
Lara Wendel
as Carol Terzi
Lea Martino
as Gioia
Eliana Miglio
as Monica (as Eliana Hoppe)
Barbara Scoppa
as Sara Levi
Massimiliano Baratta
as (as Massimo Baratta)
Loredana Romito
as Nurse
Dino Conti
as Terzi's Assistant
Marcello Modugno
as Alberto
Loredana Guerra
as Lingerie Saleslady
Giampaolo Saccarola
as Theater Watchman (as Gianpaolo Saccarola)
Peter Pitsch
as Franco Tribbo
Lamberto Bava
as Police Photographer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lamberto Bava
Producer
- Lamberto Bava
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. You'll Die at Midnight presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lamberto Bava 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 You'll Die at Midnight took approximately 3 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 137 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 220 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- 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 You'll Die at Midnight shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike One on Top of the Other, which focuses more on action than character development, You'll Die at Midnight subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red Rabbit Lodge and What Have You Done to Solange? explore similar territory, You'll Die at Midnight 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: May 3, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 28m
