Cast
View AllTrenton McDevitt
as Jamin Swatzel
Hadley Eure
as Carolyn
Michael Criscuolo
as Calvin Poteat
Kate Finlayson
as Annie
Frank J. Aard
as Clyde
Josh Nudge
as Landon
Pat Hingle
as Judge Caldwell
Richard K. Olsen
as Mr. Swatzel
Norman Shore
as Mr. Bladen
Lou Criscuolo
as Lou Morgan
William Neely
as Detective Baker
Paul Sincoff
as Bob
Tony Pender
as Officer Cox
Amy Collier
as Megan
Michael Lynch
as Coach Wilkins
Crew
Director
- Alexander Johnston
Producer
- Christopher Bromley
- Marianne Scanlon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Horror Story presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Alexander Johnston 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 1997, 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 Horror Story took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Horror Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ripper Untold, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Horror Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Terkel in Trouble and Mirrors explore similar territory, Horror Story 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: April 15, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 14m
