Cast
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Thora Birch
as Jessie Barnes
Vincent Kartheiser
as Sean Barnes
Dirk Benedict
as Jake Barnes
Ben Cardinal
as Charlie, Quincy Air Service
Kristin Lehman
as Florence
Stephen E. Miller
as Trooper Sam Harvey
Don S. Davis
as Sergeant Grazer
Charlton Heston
as Perry
Duncan Fraser
as Koontz
Gordon Tootoosis
as Ben
Ryan Kent
as Chip
Stephen E. Miller
as Trooper Harvey
Byron Chief-Moon
as Chip's Father
Adrien Dorval
as Burly Fisherman
Ed Gale
as Animatronics Bear Cub
Crew
Director
- Fraser Clarke Heston
Writer
- Scott Myers
- Andy Burg
Producer
- Carol Fuchs
- Andy Burg
Reviews
Dan_Tebasco
**Actually pretty good, one of the better wildlife/animal family films of the 90's.**
Definitly ALOT better than for instance THE AMAZING PANDA ADVENTURE which was released the year before, with some perfectly fine acting from even the kids one of which is Vincent Kartheiser who would later become one of the main stars in the tv series ANGEL.
The other is Thora Birch, she might not be as good as Vince but she was okay at least.
Would have worked as purely a survival film but they had to throw in some baddies in it as well, one of which is played by Charlton Heston the father of the director of the film Frasert C Heston.
I'm not saying that they weren't okay baddies or anything but sometimes less is more as they say. But still as a family adventure film in the veins of the stuff Disney did in the 90's it's most certainly above average.
May 19, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Alaska examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Fraser Clarke Heston 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, 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 Alaska took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $23.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2309 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 127 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Alaska shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Burning Blue, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Alaska subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Aviator and Trespass Against Us explore similar territory, Alaska 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: August 14, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $23,000,000
- Revenue: $11,829,959
