Cast
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Henry Thomas
as Davey Osborne
Dabney Coleman
as Jack Flack / Hal Osborne
Michael Murphy
as Rice
Christina Nigra
as Kim Gardener
John McIntire
as George MacCready
Jeanette Nolan
as Eunice MacCready
Eloy Casados
as Alvarez
Tim Rossovich
as Haverman
William Forsythe
as Morris
Robert DoQui
as Lt. Fleming
Shelby Leverington
as Marilyn Gardener
Doris Hargrave
as Woman in Cafe
Robert Traynor
as Ticket Agent
Linden Chiles
as Airport Security Chief
Robert Curtin
as Murdoch
Crew
Director
- Richard Franklin
Producer
- Allan Carr
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Action/Family film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Cloak & Dagger distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Richard Franklin 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 1984, 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 Cloak & Dagger took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 Cloak & Dagger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Balearic Caper, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cloak & Dagger subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ypotron: Final Countdown and How Old Are You explore similar territory, Cloak & Dagger 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: June 1, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Revenue: $9,700,000
