Cast
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Peter Davison
as The Doctor
Janet Fielding
as Tegan Jovanka
Mark Strickson
as Vislor Turlough
Cyril Luckham
as The White Guardian
Valentine Dyall
as The Black Guardian
Keith Barron
as Striker
Christopher Brown
as Marriner
Lynda Baron
as Wrack
Leee John
as Mansell
James McClure
as First Officer
Tony Caunter
as Jackson
Clive Kneller
as Collier
Crew
Director
- Fiona Cumming
Writer
- Barbara Clegg
Producer
- John Nathan-Turner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Doctor Who: Enlightenment 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 Fiona Cumming 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 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Doctor Who: Enlightenment took approximately 7 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 131 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Doctor Who: Enlightenment 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 Visitor from the Future, which focuses more on action than character development, Doctor Who: Enlightenment subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like James vs. His Future Self and Kissed explore similar territory, Doctor Who: Enlightenment stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 9, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 40m
