Cast
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Mario Van Peebles
as Michael Barnes
Andrew McCarthy
as Pete Weber
Kevin Dillon
as Dan Kane
Taylor Dayne
as Serena
John Stockwell
as Victor Mallick
William McNamara
as Jon DiCapri
Jerry Stiller
as Ted
Ben Gazzara
as Frank Grieco
John Henson
as Timan Bernard
Gregory Alan Williams
as Taylor Rundgren
Gerald Anthony
as Ed Labenski
Jenny McShane
as Kelly
William Prael
as Stoker
Mark Blum
as Ben Marks
P.J. Brown
as Detective
Crew
Director
- Gavin Wilding
Producer
- Michael Paseornek
- John Dunning
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stag 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 Gavin Wilding 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 1997, 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 Stag took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 335 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stag shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Funeral, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stag offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Street Mobster and King of the Ants explore similar territory, Stag 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: April 1, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 31m
