Cast
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John Lithgow
as John Mathewson
Christopher Collet
as Paul Stephens
Cynthia Nixon
as Jenny Anderman
Jill Eikenberry
as Elizabeth Stephens
John Mahoney
as Lt. Col. Conroy
Richard Jenkins
as Radiation Controls Officer
Robert Sean Leonard
as Max
Steve Blum
as Laser Efficiency Kid (as Richard Cardona)
Sarah Burke
as Jenny's Parent
Robert Schenkkan
as Government Aide
Richard Council
as Government Aide
Fred Melamed
as Howard
Ned Eisenberg
as C-4 Guy (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Marshall Brickman
Writer
- Marshall Brickman
- Thomas Baum
Producer
- Marshall Brickman
- Jennifer Ogden
- Bruce McNall
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, The Manhattan Project explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Marshall Brickman 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 1986, 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 The Manhattan Project took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1989 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Manhattan Project shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Timecrimes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Manhattan Project offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like WarGames: The Dead Code and Dhoom 2 explore similar territory, The Manhattan Project 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: June 13, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $3,900,000
