Cast
View All
Doug Savant
as Dr. Sean O'Grady
Nia Peeples
as Janet Reardon
Michael Ironside
as Sterling Rombauer
Roy Thinnes
as John Cabot
Jenny O'Hara
as Margaret Desmond
Khandi Alexander
as Dr. Deborah Levy
Gregg Henry
as Brian O'Grady
Richard Riehle
as Security Chief
Jamie Rose
as Sheila Adamson
Joe E. Tata
as Lt. Johns
Crew
Director
- Larry Elikann
Producer
- Stacy Mandelberg
- Michael G. Larkin
- Randy Sutter
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama/TV Movie/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Terminal presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Larry Elikann 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 1996, 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 Terminal took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 942 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 396 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Terminal shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Terminal subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Phoenix and Harjunpää ja kiusantekijät explore similar territory, Terminal 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: February 12, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 30m
