Cast
View AllRon Leagas
as Self - Former Managing Director, Saatchi & Saatchi
John Hegarty
as Self - Founding Shareholder, Saatchi & Saatchi
Phumzile Van Damme
as Self - Opposition Politician
David Wynne-Morgan
as Self - Public Relations Pioneer
Sergio Bitar
as Self - Minister of Mining in Salvador Allende's Government
Ralph Mathekga
as Self - Political Analyst, Clearcontent Research
F.W. de Klerk
as Self - Former President of South Africa
Chester Crocker
as Self - Former Assistant Secretary of State for African's Affairs
Andile Mngxitama
as Self - Founder of Black First Land First Party
Alex Goldfarb
as Self - Russian Political Activist
Meirion Jones
as Self - Investigations Editor
Joel Harding
as Self - Former Special Forces, Information Warfare Expert
Haider Jraidan
as Self - Former Senior Creative Director, Bates Pan Gulff
Kirsten Fontenrose
as Self - Strategy Consultant, Multi National Forces Iraq
Marianne Thamm
as Self - Assistant Editor, Daily Maverick
Crew
Director
- Richard Poplak
- Diana Neille
Writer
- Richard Poplak
- Diana Neille
Producer
- Neil Brandt
- Bob Moore
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Influence represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Richard Poplak 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 2020, 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 Influence took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2264 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 111 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Influence 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 Red Herring, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Influence offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Theory and Practice: Conversations with Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn and Meet the Trumps: From Immigrant to President explore similar territory, Influence 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: January 27, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 30m
