Cast
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Crew
Director
- Rod Holcomb
Writer
- Laird Koenig
- David E. Peckinpah
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Stillwatch presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Rod Holcomb 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 1987, 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 Stillwatch took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: February 10, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 40m