Cast
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Paul Newman
as Hank Anderson
Jacqueline Bisset
as Kay Kirby
William Holden
as Shelby Gilmore
James Franciscus
as Bob Spangler
Ernest Borgnine
as Det. Sgt. Tom Conti
Edward Albert
as Brian
Red Buttons
as Francis Fendly
Barbara Carrera
as Iolani
Valentina Cortese
as Rose Valdez
Veronica Hamel
as Nikki
Burgess Meredith
as Rene Valdez
John Considine
as Dr. John Webster
Sheila Allen
as Mona
Pat Morita
as Sam
Lonny Chapman
as Kelly
Crew
Director
- James Goldstone
Producer
- Irwin Allen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, When Time Ran Out... 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 James Goldstone 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 1980, 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 When Time Ran Out... took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While When Time Ran Out... 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 Shining, which focuses more on action than character development, When Time Ran Out... offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Gone with the Wind and Grand Illusion explore similar territory, When Time Ran Out... 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: March 28, 1980
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $3,763,988
