Cast
View AllDonald Grant
as Richard Clark
Denise DuBarry
as Professor Diane Bennett
Henry Gibson
as Dr. Philip Pennyworth
Paul Walker
as 'Professor' Bennett
Claude Akins
as Sheriff Sam Ketchem
Howard Duff
as Father Martin Finnegan
Donald Moffat
as General Franklin Turnbull
Paul Dooley
as Roy Crane
John Carradine
as Old Joe Shempter
Frank Ashmore
as Scoop Johnson
Stella Stevens
as Margo Crane
Fergie
as Lucy
Kevin Peter Hall
as The Monster
Kenneth Kessler
as Voice
Jesse White
as Ben
Crew
Director
- Bob Dahlin
Producer
- Peter L. Bergquist
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Monster in the Closet presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bob Dahlin 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 1986, 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 Monster in the Closet took approximately 12 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 114 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1646 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Monster in the Closet shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Life as a Dog, which focuses more on action than character development, Monster in the Closet subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Wayne's World and Straight Up explore similar territory, Monster in the Closet stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 15, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
