Cast
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Bruce Dern
as Karl Kinsky
Maud Adams
as Maddy
Leonard Frey
as Halsey
Frederikke Borge
as Sandra
John Getz
as Buddy
Peter Iacangelo
as Dubin
Alan Leach
as Customer
Cynthia Nixon
as Cindy
Trish Doolan
as Cheryl
Anthony Mannino
as George
Lex Monson
as Dudley
Patricia Roe
as Doris
Jane Hoffman
as Teresa
Robert Burr
as Ralph
John Snyder
as Hawker
Crew
Director
- Bob Brooks
Producer
- Joseph E. Levine
- Richard P. Levine
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Tattoo presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bob Brooks 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 character development and emotional depth 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 Tattoo took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tattoo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Memento, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Tattoo offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Once Were Warriors and The Tattooist explore similar territory, Tattoo 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: October 9, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 43m
