Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- John Seeman
Writer
- Arthur King
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ten Little Maidens presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Seeman 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 1985, 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 Ten Little Maidens took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1692 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ten Little Maidens shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ten Little Maidens subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mary Poppins and Contact explore similar territory, Ten Little Maidens 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: February 22, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 25m