Cast
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William Mapother
as Dr. Henry West
Rya Kihlstedt
as Judith Winstead
Sharon Maughan
as Susan Gorman
Anne Betancourt
as Joanne Breault
John Rubinstein
as Marcus Wheeler
Suzanne Jamieson
as Cathleen West
Gerald McCullouch
as Steven West
Brian Chenoweth
as Father Donnelly
Joe Guarneri
as Sergeant Parella
Gage Maverik
as Government Researcher
Erich Lane
as Kenneth
Harry Groener
as Lawrence Henault
Lou Beatty Jr.
as Darrell Price
Ivar Brogger
as Therapist
Rob Kerkovich
as Agent Barnes
Crew
Director
- Chris Sparling
Writer
- Chris Sparling
Producer
- Peter Safran
- Natalia Safran
- Chris Sparling
Reviews
tiailds
I was not sure what to expect before watching this. I now understand why this is shown on cable more than most POV horror out these days.
"Was it interesting?" For the most part. Framing it as a legitimate documentary helped it. The dated setting, lack of technology, and inability to see the characters away from the action hurt it some.
2 out of 3
"Was it entertaining?" That is it's biggest problem. Little drama beyond emotional storytelling and only a few real good paranormal scenes.
1 out of 3
"Was it memorable?" The form of the movie was, but otherwise didn't make too much of an impact. It mostly just tries to stand out among it's sub-genre.
1.5 out of 3
Start with 1, 1+2+1+1.5=5.5
I'm rounding up for just using decent actors and good editing. A 6 with these type of movies is definitely above average.
Jan 16, 2016
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Atticus Institute presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Chris Sparling 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 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Atticus Institute took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Atticus Institute shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Toolbox Murders, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Atticus Institute offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hungerford and V/H/S: Viral explore similar territory, The Atticus Institute 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 5, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $1,000,000
