Cast
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Mike Farrell
as Frank Staplin
Teri Garr
as Amy McCleary
Veronica Cartwright
as Janice Staplin
Lane Smith
as Tom Keating
Barry Corbin
as Bob Austin
Nan Martin
as Sonia Lindstrom
James Sloyan
as John Malloy
Terry Kiser
as Lyman
Charles Aidman
as
Matthew Faison
as
Peter Hobbs
as
Ray Girardin
as
Martina Deignan
as
Crew
Director
- Noel Black
Producer
- Steve Tisch
- Jon Avnet
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Prime Suspect 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 Noel Black 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 1982, 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 Prime Suspect took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1651 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Prime Suspect 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 Living Daylights, which focuses more on action than character development, Prime Suspect subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like GoldenEye and Wharf Angel explore similar territory, Prime Suspect stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: January 20, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 36m
Where to Watch
