Cast
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Crew
Director
- Joseph Merhi
Producer
- Joseph Merhi
- Richard Pepin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Epitaph presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joseph Merhi 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 1988, 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 Epitaph took approximately 19 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 120 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 488 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- 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
Details
- Release Date: March 25, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
