Cast
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Cicely Tyson
as Ruthana Richardson
Blair Underwood
as Bob Richardson
Sally Kirkland
as Mrs. Canfield
James Earl Jones
as Junius Johnson
Margaret Avery
as Roxie Turpin
David Strathairn
as Bill Thomas
Glenn Plummer
as J.T. Turpin
Vondie Curtis-Hall
as Clifford Turpin
Paris Vaughan
as Lada
Harold Pruett
as John Riggs
Adam Arkin
as Art Berman
Robert Hooks
as Reverend Brooks
Michael Greene
as Mr. Canfield
Charlie Korsmo
as Jason (age 12)
T.E. Russell
as Dominique Freeman
Crew
Director
- Kevin Hooks
Writer
- Michael Lazarou
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Heat Wave 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 Kevin Hooks 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 1990, 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 Heat Wave took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 217 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Heat Wave shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike What's the Matter with Gerald?, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Heat Wave subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Paris, Texas and Short Cuts explore similar territory, Heat Wave 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 13, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 40m
