Cast
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Clarence Williams III
as Roscoe
Vivica A. Fox
as Chris
Madeleine Coghlan
as Tortured Girl
Chris Kattan
as Mr. Preevy
Bradley Bundlie
as John
Rachel Axelrod
as Female Bluff
Nichelle Nichols
as Mystic Woman
Danny Trejo
as Mister Malevolent
Michael Felix
as Jamal
Jared Kusnitz
as Stuart
Rusty Cundieff
as Black Lawman
Cleo Berry
as Clyde
Kate Butler
as Betty
Jason Cabell
as Cop
Wendy Davis
as Lucy
Crew
Director
- Rusty Cundieff
- Darin Scott
Writer
- Rusty Cundieff
- Darin Scott
Producer
- Michael Mendelsohn
- Jim Steele
- Darin Scott
- Rusty Cundieff
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. American Nightmares presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Rusty Cundieff 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 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of American Nightmares took approximately 14 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 134 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- 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 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 11, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
