Cast
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Chad Connell
as Daniel
David Cameron
as Alexander
Tamara Gorski
as Barb
Erik Athavale
as Ralph
Mimi Kuzyk
as Aunt Margret
Jason Wishnowski
as Ryan Peters
John B. Lowe
as Ned Watson
Sheila Campbell
as Attractive Woman
Ben Grocholski
as Young Daniel
Chris Sigurdson
as Daniel's Father
Andrea del Campo
as Daniel's Mother
Maxine Gibson Bruce
as Daniel's Sister
Logan Creran
as Young Friend
Daryl Dorge
as Michael
Tyhr Trubiak
as Rock Star
Crew
Director
- Sven J. Matten
Writer
- Melissa Kajpust
- Sven J. Matten
Producer
- Jean Du Toit
- Sven J. Matten
Reviews
tmdb15214618
It's a very odd bag of very uneven quality--one third compelling psycho-drama, one third boring screen filler, and another third hilarious/embarrassing sap--but I'd much rather watch this oddity again (and again) than the next generic Hollywood pap.
Jun 4, 2018
CinemaSerf
Unfortunately, Chad Connell ("Daniel") overacts as a talk show host who thrives on getting big name celebrities to admit things on air and so his ratings soar! Privately, however, he is a psychological and emotional void of a man. He seeks sex from male escorts and has no ties to anyone; he also starts to find himself suffering from panic attacks. His body finds it's own, unique, way of facing his demons and getting him through the trauma. Good efforts from David Cameron ("Alexander" - a sort of Zac Efron-lite) and Tamara Gorski ("Barb") help him to get to the root of his problems and although the pace of this film is really slow, and the frenetic score a bit irritating at times, it is still a decent looking effort with some interesting twists.
May 8, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Steel examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sven J. Matten 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 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Steel took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Steel shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pornomelancholia, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Steel offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Prayers for Bobby and Devil's Harvest explore similar territory, Steel 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 2, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 48m
