Cast
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Director
- Gary Orona
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Supernatural presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Gary Orona 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 1997, 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 Supernatural took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 56 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 107 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Supernatural shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Even Though I Don't Like It, which focuses more on action than character development, Supernatural subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Thousand Year Gumiho and Rape Zombie: Lust of the Dead 2 explore similar territory, Supernatural 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: January 1, 1997
- Runtime: 56m