Cast
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Jamie Gillis
as Burt - The Enema Bandit
John Buco
as Jack Gallagher
Eric Edwards
as The Doctor
Marlene Willoughby
as The Nurse
C.J. Laing
as Irene Murray
Gloria Leonard
as Hostess at The Garden of Eden
Clea Carson
as Stewardess
Crystal Sync
as Barbara
Philip Marlowe
as Police Captain
Susaye London
as Ginger
Barbara Belkin
as Candy
Craig Esposito
as Police Station Cop with Typewriter
Sharon Mitchell
as Eve
Shaun Costello
as Police Station Cop / Man at Car Window
Fred Keitel
as
Crew
Director
- Shaun Costello
Writer
- Shaun Costello
Producer
- Shaun Costello
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Water Power presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Shaun Costello 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 1976, 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 Water Power took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2436 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Water Power shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saw IV, which focuses more on action than character development, Water Power subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Oldboy and A Streetcar Named Desire explore similar territory, Water Power stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: September 1, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Budget: $16,000
