Cast
View All
Stephen Baldwin
as David Franks
Vanessa Johansson
as Laura
Hilda van der Meulen
as Lt. Sofia Totti
Giacomo Gonnella
as Vito Clemenza
Ivaylo Geraskov
as Rossi
Atanas Srebrev
as Captain Bonasera
Kaloian Vodenicharov
as Man in Black
Bashar Rahal
as Medical Examiner
Vlado Kolev
as Assistant
Michael McCoy
as Dean Flathers
Assen Blatechki
as Operator
Rolando Cadenas
as Student
Ivo Kehayov
as Cop
Crew
Director
- Danny Lerner
Writer
- Les Weldon
- Danny Lerner
Producer
- Les Weldon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Action/Adventure film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Sharks in Venice presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Danny Lerner 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 2008, 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 Sharks in Venice took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sharks in Venice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shark Exorcist 2: Unholy Waters, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sharks in Venice subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Italian Job and Casanova explore similar territory, Sharks in Venice stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 6, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch
