Cast
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Serena
as Janet Brown
Seka
as Seka Romanov
Paul Thomas
as Kenneth Swift
Laurie Smith
as Kristin Peters
Candida Royalle
as Olympic Swimmer
Connie Peterson
as Olympic Swimmer
Hillary Summers
as Olympic Swimmer
Vicki Glick
as Olympic Swimmer
Ron Jeremy
as Ivan
Richard Bulik
as Lt. Vulga
William Margold
as Coach Rod
Lisa De Leeuw
as Nurse Sheila
R.J. Reynolds
as Coach Harold
Jack Shute
as Doctor
Crew
Director
- Phillip Marshak
Producer
- Neil Grant
- Bob Gordon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Olympic Fever represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Phillip Marshak 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 1981, 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 Olympic Fever took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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 Olympic Fever shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Muriel's Wedding, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Olympic Fever subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like High Fidelity and Swim Team explore similar territory, Olympic Fever 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: October 9, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 20m
