Cast
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Jonathan Banks
as PIN (voice)
David Hewlett
as Leon
Cynthia Preston
as Ursula
Terry O'Quinn
as Dr. Frank Linden
Bronwen Mantel
as Mrs. Linden
John Pyper-Ferguson
as Stan Fraker
Helene Udy
as Marcia Bateman
Patricia Collins
as Aunt Dorothy
Steven Bednarski
as Leon - Age 13
Jacob Tierney
as Leon - Age 7
Katie Shingler
as Ursula - Age 11
Michelle Anderson
as Ursula - Age 5
Joan Austen
as Nurse Spalding
Jamie Stern
as Eddie Morris
David Gow
as Officer Wilson
Crew
Director
- Sandor Stern
Producer
- Rene Malo
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Interesting and creepy psychodrama/horror involving a mannequin**_
In the Northeast, a doctor uses an anatomically correct medical dummy named Pin (short for Pinocchio) to teach his son & daughter about how the body works. Years later, when they’re adults, they maintain an attachment to the mannequin as the sister (Cynthia Preston) starts dating a guy (John Pyper-Ferguson), which interrupts her uneasy brother (David Hewlett)
"Pin" (1988) is a slow burn Hitchcock-ian psychological drama/horror that mixes “Psycho” (1960), “Flowers in the Attic” (1987) and a little “Paper Man” (1971) with the creepy mannequins of several 70's movies/shows, like Kolchak: The Night Stalker’s "The Trevi Collection.”
The low-key commentary on the negative effects of legalism is interesting, augmented by the fact that it’s nonreligious legalism relating to a well-to-do, educated family, which is the opposite of the situation in “Carrie” (1976). Yet legalism is only one of the mental conditions explored.
The flick is smart to not spell everything out, making the viewer seek for answers. For instance, is ventriloquism being used or not? Meanwhile the ending ties everything up with a nigh ‘wow’ factor.
I shouldn’t fail to mention that redhead Helene Udy is on hand for an effective sequence.
The movie runs 1 hour, 43 minutes, and was shot in Iberville, Québec, which is about 15 miles southeast of Montreal and 20 miles north of Lake Champlain & the US border, as well as Saint-Lambert, which is just across the river from Montreal.
GRADE: B+
Apr 4, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Pin presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Sandor Stern 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 1988, 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 Pin took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- 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
While Pin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sand Trap, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Pin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Corps et âmes and V.C. Andrews' All That Glitters explore similar territory, Pin 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: November 25, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 43m
