Cast
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Adam West
as Capt. Tom Churchman
Jon Mikl Thor
as Tony Washington
Tia Carrere
as Amy
Manuska Rigaud
as Molly Mokembe
Frank Dietz
as Frank Sorrell
Linda Singer
as Maggie
Tony Blauer
as Teenager
Mark Kulik
as Teenager
John Fasano
as William Washington
Francesca Bonacorsa
as Louise Washington
Jesse D'Angelo
as Young Tony Washington
Tracy Biddle
as Young Molly Mokembe
Alan Fisler
as Bob
Hamish McEwan
as Peter
Manon E. Turbide
as Susie
Crew
Director
- Jack Bravman
Writer
- David Wellington
Producer
- Jack Bravman
- Pierre Grisé
Reviews
Gimly
Hammy as all get out, but an excellent summation of that era I so love, the '80s.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Sep 9, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Zombie Nightmare presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jack Bravman 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 1987, 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 Zombie Nightmare took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1712 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Zombie Nightmare shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beneath, which focuses more on action than character development, Zombie Nightmare subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dorm and Alien Implant explore similar territory, Zombie Nightmare stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 13, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $180,000
Where to Watch
