Cast
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Alexandra Paul
as Melissa Thorpe
Marc Marut
as Johnny McFarley
Brigid Tierney
as Cammie Thorpe
Frances Bay
as Mrs. Rosemont
William Katt
as Brian
Krista Errickson
as Diana
Barry Flatman
as Mr. McFarley
Karyn Dwyer
as Brenda
Jenny Campbell
as Tiffany
James Rae
as Travis
Mathieu Kermoyan
as
Claire Riley
as
Derek Johnston
as
Bobo Vian
as
Sam Stone
as
Crew
Director
- Douglas Jackson
Writer
- David E. Peckinpah
Producer
- Franco Battista
- Tom Berry
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Paperboy presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Douglas Jackson 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 1994, 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 The Paperboy took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2191 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Paperboy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Vertigo, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Paperboy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Shining and The Sixth Sense explore similar territory, The Paperboy 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: November 16, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $2,000,000
