Cast
View AllBruce MacDonald
as Mike Donnelly
Maggie Renzi
as Katie Sipriano
Adam LeFevre
as J.T.
Maggie Cousineau
as Frances Carlson
Gordon Clapp
as Chip Hollister
Jean Passanante
as Irene Rosenblue
Karen Trott
as Maura Tolliver
Mark Arnott
as Jeff
David Strathairn
as Ron
John Sayles
as Howie
Marisa Smith
as Carol
Amy Schewel
as Lacey
Carolyn Brooks
as Meg
Eric Forsythe
as Captain
Nancy Mette
as Lee
Crew
Director
- John Sayles
Writer
- John Sayles
Producer
- Jeffrey Nelson
- William Aydelott
Reviews
Wuchak
**_The Indie blueprint for “The Big Chill”_**
Seven former college friends from Boston meet at a cabin-in-the-woods in New Hampshire, along with a couple of others. They talk about where they were, where they are, where they’re going, plus other things, like romances ending or reigniting.
"Return of the Secaucus Seven” (1980) is a cabin-in-the-woods drama without any boogeyman focusing on the lives of former ‘radicals’ in college, all of them around 30 years-old now. Obviously “The Big Chill” (1983) used this as a template, but they’re both different enough to appreciate.
This one had a way smaller budget ($60,000) and no-name actors with only David Strathairn going on to any notable success, not counting director John Sayles, who plays peripheral character Howie. The biggest differences are the locations and the fact that the protagonists here are about 9 years younger.
Like “The Big Chill,” you have to be in a mood for a dialogue-driven drama to enjoy this. There’s some good droll humor, a fun swimming sequence, an entertaining bar episode and more.
The film runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in North Conway & Jackson, New Hampshire.
GRADE: B
May 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Return of the Secaucus Seven examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director John Sayles 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, 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 Return of the Secaucus Seven took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1684 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Return of the Secaucus Seven shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Miracle Season, which focuses more on action than character development, Return of the Secaucus Seven offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Rules of Attraction and To Die For explore similar territory, Return of the Secaucus Seven stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 11, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to Watch
