Cast
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Naomi Watts
as Rachel Keller
Martin Henderson
as Noah Clay
David Dorfman
as Aidan Keller
Brian Cox
as Richard Morgan
Jane Alexander
as Dr. Grasnik
Lindsay Frost
as Ruth Embry
Amber Tamblyn
as Katie Embry
Rachael Bella
as Rebecca Kotler
Daveigh Chase
as Samara Morgan
Shannon Cochran
as Anna Morgan
Sandra Thigpen
as Teacher
Richard Lineback
as Innkeeper
Sasha Barrese
as Girl Teen #1
Tess Hall
as Girl Teen #2
Adam Brody
as Male Teen #1
Crew
Director
- Gore Verbinski
Producer
- Laurie MacDonald
- Walter F. Parkes
Reviews
John Chard
Is she still in the dark place?
After the mysterious death of her niece Katie, journalist Rachel Keller starts to investigate an urban legend about a videotape which kills you seven days after watching it. With dire consequences coming her way if she can not solve the mystery....
The sentence, English language remake of successful foreign horror film has been known to instill fear of the wrong kind in many a genre fan. So when it was announced that Gore Verbinski was to remake Hideo Nakata's terrifying nerve shredder, Ringu, the reaction in horror circles was akin to someone urinating on your chips. Refreshing to report then that The Ring is a candidate for best American remake and proof positive that remakes sometimes can be a good thing.
Starring Naomi Watts (who is terrific) as Rachel, Verbinski and writer Ehren Kruger (adapting from Kôji Suzuki's novel) successfully transfer the atmospherics of Nakata's piece to a dank and eerie Seattle. It's with atmosphere that The Ring starts to play on your nerves, because after viewing the creepy and unsettling tape itself, we ourselves have been set up for the race against the clock theme that is driving Rachel on. So as the mystery starts to unravel, and sadness threatens to take a hold, the story quickly shifts direction to give horror one of its most baddest and cruelest characters. It's the kind of impact that crawls under your skin and refuses to move when you are trying to sleep at night.
Though the story has been streamlined from its source, The Ring still has a bit too much filler in its meaty structure. Feeling a need to give Watts a quest among quests, Verbinski almost over cooks the mystery essence of the plot. However, with much relief he reins it in to stop any sort of scooby doo like nonsense detracting from the creepy sense of dread that has been built up previously. The ending here works a treat, but it is a tone down from the source and with that it's not even close to Nakata's version, and just maybe it has something to do with Dream Works wanting to secure a PG-13 rating?
What is left though is a truly suspenseful and unsettling thriller - come horror film. One that even on revisits manages to bother and keep one on the edge of the seat. It made an $80 million profit in America alone, ensuring that a sequel was sure to follow. Now was that one a bad idea! 8/10
Oct 29, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Ring presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Gore Verbinski 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 2002, 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 Ring took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $48.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 347 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Ring shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Constantine, which focuses more on action than character development, The Ring offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Man Who Knew Too Much and Jaws 2 explore similar territory, The Ring stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: October 18, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Budget: $48,000,000
- Revenue: $249,348,933
Where to Watch
