Cast
View AllRay Aranha
as Can Man, a homeless man
Keivyn McNeill Grayes
as Lee, a homeless boy
Elise Ballard
as Dumb Bitch
Sharlene Brown
as Woman with Can
Erik Jensen
as Man Who Kills Can Man
Anthony Crivello
as Eddie, a drug dealer
David Norona
as Angel, his boyfriend
Billy Porter
as Shiniqua, Angel's friend
Kelly Coyle
as Arthur's Girlfriend
Simon Brook
as Undercover Cop
William Hickey
as Andre - A Proprietor
Jean Loup Wolfman
as Arthur 'Fine Art', a hustler
Rose Baum Senerchia
as Andre's Mother
Brenda Pressley
as Mrs. Burns, Lee's foster mother
Eugene Byrd
as Willus Burns, her son
Crew
Director
- Seth Michael Donsky
Writer
- Seth Michael Donsky
Producer
- Adrian Agramonte
- Bernard Arbit
- John Hochroth
- Seth Michael Donsky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Twisted 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 Seth Michael Donsky 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 1996, 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 Twisted took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 500 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1974 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Twisted shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Barren Lives, which focuses more on action than character development, Twisted offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Night Disclosure and 13 Minutes explore similar territory, Twisted 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: November 14, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 40m
