Cast
Hayden Christensen
Luke
Thandiwe Newton
Rosemary
John Leguizamo
Paul
Neal Huff
Chicago Reporter
Jacob Latimore
James
Taylor Groothuis
Briana
Jordan Trovillion
Concession Girl
Hugh Maguire
Patient
Erin Nicole
Paige Taylor
Carolyn Clifford
Female TV Anchor
Stephen Clark
Male TV Anchor
Larry Fessenden
Bike Messenger
Arthur Cartwright
Security Guard
Crew
Director
- Brad Anderson
Writer
- Anthony Jaswinski
Producer
- Tove Christensen
- Celine Rattray
- Norton Herrick
Reviews
John Chard
Vamoosh!
Directed by Brad Anderson and written by Anthony Jaswinski. It stars Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton, John Leguizamo and Jacop Latimore. Music is by Lucas Vidal and cinematography by Uta Briesewitz.
Detroit falls dark and silent and people are disappearing into thin air. A tiny group of survivors "exist"...
Well it went down like a lead balloon! Critics and horror fans alike can't find much to like about it. It's certainly a tricky film to have confidence in recommending to anyone, for it's a bit short on answers and scares, sort of? However, considering the budget there's some technical guile here, and if giving the makers some credit, there's possibly intelligence of thought in the writing as well. Religio observations, a sly incorporation of the Roanoke colony disappearance and an existential undercurrent.
Yet it's such a frustrating picture, especially if you are a fan of Anderson's best works, or even if you rock up expecting the scarer that the adverts and plot synopsis' suggested. Cast are by the numbers wasted due to being hamstrung by the plot's attempt at blending chills with deeper thought, rendering the characterisations as unfleshed, while the ending feels like a cheat of unfinished business.
Personally I'm glad I didn't pay at the cinema to see it, but with that comes the fact that in my darkened living room the other night I enjoyed it to a point. But here's a thing, it probably needs a second viewing for it to breathe better, but I'm not sure I could ever sit through it again... 6/10
Feb 9, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Vanishing on 7th Street presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Brad Anderson 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 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Vanishing on 7th Street took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1750 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Vanishing on 7th Street shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Seven Days, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Vanishing on 7th Street offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Death Wish 3 and Toxic Skies explore similar territory, Vanishing on 7th Street stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $1,671,196
Where to Watch
