Cast
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Steve Bacic
as John Ralston
Micki Maunsell
as Miz Carnation
Gerard Plunkett
as Dr. Hauser (as Gerrard Plunkett)
Derek Cecil
as Ernst Haeckel
Pablo Coffey
as Chester
Jon Polito
as Montesquino
Warren Kimmel
as Faron
Jill Morrison
as Rachel
Elizabeth McQuade
as Young Woman
Tom McBeath
as Wolfram
Leela Savasta
as Elise Wolfram
Christopher DeLisle
as Elise's Dead Husband
Crew
Director
- John McNaughton
Writer
- Mick Garris
- Clive Barker
Producer
- Tom Rowe
- Lisa Richardson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Haeckel's Tale presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John McNaughton 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 2006, 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 Haeckel's Tale took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 86 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1791 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 27, 2006
- Runtime: 1h