Cast
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Mario Van Peebles
as Solo
Barry Corbin
as General Clyde Haynes
William Sadler
as Colonel Frank Madden / Improved Solo
Jaime Osorio Gómez
as Sgt. Lorenzo the Tracker
Demián Bichir
as Rio
Seidy López
as Agela
Abraham Verduzco
as Miguel the Kid
Joaquín Garrido
as Vasquez
Adrien Brody
as Dr. Bill Stewart, Solo's Designer
Brent Schaeffer
as Communications Officer
Lucas Dudley
as Helmsman
Christopher Michael
as Flight Deck Officer
Rafael Velasco
as Justos
Abel Woolrich
as Lazaro
Farnesio de Bernal
as Father Cerna
Crew
Director
- Norberto Barba
Producer
- Joseph Newton Cohen
- John Flock
- Jose Ludlow
- Gina Resnick
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Science Fiction/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Solo distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Norberto Barba 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 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 Solo took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1173 individual shots.
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 Solo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tears of the Sun, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Solo offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Metropolis and Asterix and the Vikings explore similar territory, Solo 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: August 23, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
