Cast
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Nadine Van der Velde
as Jessica Lilliane
Christopher Plummer
as Edmund Beaumont
James Kee
as Paul
John Colicos
as Anthony Podopolis
Shirley Douglas
as Nicole
Kay Tremblay
as Sophie Beaumont
Charmion King
as Grace Meyerhoff
Jennifer Inch
as Karen
Brent Carver
as Alexei
Kenneth McGregor
as Johnny
Gregory Osborne
as Philip Crest
Crew
Director
- Lewis Furey
Writer
- Christine Foster
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Shadow Dancing presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lewis Furey 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 Shadow Dancing took approximately 28 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 126 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 9 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 40m