Cast
View All
Ellie Church
as Mary / The Doll
Arthur Cullipher
as Lawrence / The Clown
Jason Crowe
as PJ / The Dog
Dave Parker
as Charlie / The Henchman
Alyss Winkler
as The Mantis
Kevin Roach
as The Preacher
Brian Papandrea
as Jock Face
David Hancock
as The Doctor
Adam 'Mickey' McAndrews
as Dog #2
Emily Solt McGee
as The Interviewer
Crew
Director
- Scott Schirmer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Bad Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Scott Schirmer 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 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 The Bad Man took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 453 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- 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
While The Bad Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Silence of the Lambs, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Bad Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fargo and Once Upon a Time in America explore similar territory, The Bad Man 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: October 19, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 46m
Where to Watch
