Cast
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Juliette Lewis
as Jane Emelin
William Hurt
as Greg Harrison
Shelley Duvall
as Martha Stewart
Tobin Bell
as The Locksmith
Sabrina Grdevich
as Cheryl
Artie Lange
as Jerry
Lorna Millican
as Mrs. Betty Bryant
Todd Green
as Drag Queen Neighbor
George Pottle
as Mr. Bryant
Paul Oullette
as Tango Man
Ardon Bess
as Hardware Owner
Mark A. Owen
as TV Delivery Man
Austin Pendleton
as Albert Collins
Heidi Jo Markel
as Ashley
Robert Costanzo
as Exterminator
Crew
Director
- Josh Klausner
Writer
- Josh Klausner
Producer
- William Vince
- John Thompson
- Boaz Davidson
- Naomi Despres
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The 4th Floor presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Josh Klausner 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 1999, 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 The 4th Floor took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The 4th Floor shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Conspiracy Theory, which focuses more on action than character development, The 4th Floor subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Timber Falls and Franklyn explore similar territory, The 4th Floor 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: July 31, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
