Cast
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John Terry
as John March
Jane Sibbett
as Claire Ward
Chris Sarandon
as Charles Dexter Ward / Joseph Curwen
Robert Romanus
as Lonnie Peck
Laurie Briscoe
as Holly Tender
Ken Camroux-Taylor
as Captain Ben Szandor
Patrick Pon
as Raymond
Bernard Cuffling
as Dr. Waite
Megan Leitch
as Eliza
Charles K. Pitts
as Ezra Ward
Philip Maurice Hayes
as Uniform Cop
Paul Jarrett
as Town Father #1
Eric Newton
as Lucius Fenner
Lee Matheson
as Town Father #2 / Town Father
Crew
Director
- Dan O'Bannon
Producer
- Kenneth Raich
- Mark Borde
Reviews
qorn
**The Resurrected** is a slow-burn, detective, mystery movie from 1991 and based on a book by _Lovecraft_ called _The Case of Charles Dexter Ward_. The acting is solid, and the practical effects are quite impressive, especially considering the movie's relatively low budget.
I had a really good time especially towards the end with how all the effects looked and seeing the dark secrets slowly be uncovered (even tho the reveal of zombies is quite obvious by today's standards).
Overall a solid Lovecraftian Zombie Mystery Thriller that feels like a Outlast horror game at the best of times and cheesy detective shananagans at the worst.
Apr 20, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Resurrected presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Dan O'Bannon 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 1991, 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 Resurrected took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 376 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Resurrected shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge, which focuses more on action than character development, The Resurrected subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pet Sematary and Pet Sematary II explore similar territory, The Resurrected stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 6, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 45m
