Cast
View AllAlex Scott
as Lee Hedges
Dean James Whalley
as Johnny Briscoe
Gerald Maliqi
as Calvin Simpson
Chris Lines
as the terrible old man
Ron Frost
as Old Dec
Wendy Taylor
as loans manager
James Ludlow
as the pirate captain
Adam Fountain
as Long Tom
Joe Myers
as Mate Ellis
Stu Bird
as Peters
Sheridan Sinclair
as Charles Hedges & Scarface
Bradley Cant
as voice of young Hedges
Crew
Director
- Sheridan Sinclair
Writer
- Jamie Thrasivoulou
Producer
- Sheridan Sinclair
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Terrible Old Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Sheridan Sinclair 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 2017, 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 The Terrible Old Man took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 15 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 40 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Terrible Old Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ghosted, which focuses more on action than character development, The Terrible Old Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Thalion Ltd. and I Was a Teenage Werebear explore similar territory, The Terrible Old Man stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 9, 2017
- Runtime: 15m
