Cast
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Edward Furlong
as Philip Markham
Jaime Pressly
as Catherine Anderson
Daniel Franzese
as Claude Markham
Andrew Keegan
as Bobby
Susan Ward
as Ashley
Laura Ramsey
as Jenny
Aimee Garcia
as Gina
Brian Geraghty
as Collin
Sam Page
as Daniel Anderson
Nicole Bilderback
as Mikko
Nate Parker
as Techno
Joel Michaely
as Jack
Sanoe Lake
as Ruby
William Sterchi
as Sheriff Boyle
James Patrick Stuart
as Deputy Grady
Crew
Director
- Kelsey T. Howard
Writer
- Paul Lawrence
- Eugene Hess
- Paul T. Murray
Producer
- Tim Wesley
- Todd Nealey
- Kelsey T. Howard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Cruel World presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Kelsey T. Howard 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 2006, 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 Cruel World took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cruel World shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Criticsized, which focuses more on action than character development, Cruel World offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rakshasudu and The Burnt Orange Heresy explore similar territory, Cruel World 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: October 27, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Revenue: $16,344
Where to Watch
