Cast
View AllMelissa Jaffer
as Mrs. Webster
Marnie Reece-Wilmore
as Sally Harrison
Dene Kermond
as Bobby Harrison
Di Smith
as Maria Harrison
Grant Dodwell
as Jim Harrison
Gabrielle Hammond
as Kate Glorvaelllo
Russell Newman
as Mr. Flannery
Tina Bursill
as Dr. Rosen
Leverne McDonnell
as Senior Nursing Sister
Monroe Reimers
as Radiologist
Graeme Blundell
as Dr. Chambers
Annie Byron
as Dr. Allport
Andrea Moor
as Forbes
Alan Lovell
as Soulos
Shaun Clowes
as Cyril Flannery
Crew
Director
- Robert Marchand
Writer
- Tony Morphett
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, The Distant Home explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Robert Marchand 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 1992, 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 Distant Home took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1469 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 362 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1992, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- 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 Distant Home shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fire in the Sky, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Distant Home subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Miracle of P. Tinto and Phantom from Space explore similar territory, The Distant Home 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: June 6, 1992
- Runtime: 1h 25m