Cast
View All
Sean Connery
as Paul Bradley
Natalie Wood
as Tatiana Donskaya
Karl Malden
as Harry Sherwood
Brian Keith
as Dr. Dubov
Martin Landau
as General Adlon
Trevor Howard
as Sir Michael Hughes
Richard Dysart
as Secretary of Defense
Henry Fonda
as The President
Joseph Campanella
as General Easton
Bo Brundin
as Rolf Manheim
Katherine De Hetre
as Jan Watkins
James G. Richardson
as Alan Marshall
Roger Robinson
as Bill Hunter
Michael Zaslow
as Sam Mason
John Findlater
as Astronaut Tom Easton
Crew
Director
- Ronald Neame
Producer
- Arnold H. Orgolini
- Theodore R. Parvin
- Run Run Shaw
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Thriller/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Meteor distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Ronald Neame 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 1979, 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 Meteor took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $16.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1744 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Meteor shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike King of New York, which focuses more on action than character development, Meteor offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Double Impact and Dante's Peak explore similar territory, Meteor 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 19, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $16,000,000
- Revenue: $12,600,000
Where to Watch
