Cast
View All
Susan Lucci
as Karen Beckett aka Katherine Raymond
John James
as Eric Beckett
Marcia Strassman
as Rita Kamen
Robin Thomas
as Charles Kamen
Finola Hughes
as Megan McGuire
Douglas Seale
as Innkeeper MacVey
Page Fletcher
as Lt. Eisley
Chris Owens
as Thomas
Susan Douglas
as Karen's Mother
Bernard Behrens
as Karen's Father
Deborah Taylor
as Secretary at Prison
Brian Taylor
as Doctor
John Stoneham Sr.
as Rowdy #1
Victor Ertmanis
as Rowdy #2
Kay Hawtrey
as Saleslady
Crew
Director
- Michael Pressman
Producer
- Terry Morse Jr.
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. Haunted by Her Past presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael Pressman 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 Haunted by Her Past took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 269 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 74 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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 Haunted by Her Past shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Amityville: Where the Echo Lives, which focuses more on action than character development, Haunted by Her Past subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Darkness and Amityville Exorcism explore similar territory, Haunted by Her Past stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 5, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
