Cast
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Jason Robards
as Dr. Russell Oakes
JoBeth Williams
as Nurse Nancy Bauer
Steve Guttenberg
as Stephen Klein
John Cullum
as Jim Dahlberg
John Lithgow
as Joe Huxley
Bibi Besch
as Eve Dahlberg
Lori Lethin
as Denise Dahlberg
Amy Madigan
as Alison Ransom
Jeff East
as Bruce Gallatin
Georgann Johnson
as Helen Oakes
William Allen Young
as Airman Billy McCoy
Calvin Jung
as Dr. Sam Hachya
Lin McCarthy
as Dr. Austin
Dennis Lipscomb
as Reverend Walker
Clayton Day
as Dennis Hendry
Crew
Director
- Nicholas Meyer
Writer
- Edward Hume
Producer
- Robert Papazian
Reviews
talisencrw
This was solid and, considering its epoch, scary. I remember being a teen when this came up, and with U.S./Soviet relations at a nadir, nuclear war films were just starting to appear on the cinephile's radar once again, after taking a breather from their 60's heyday for the sake of the glut of natural disaster films that hit theatres in the interim.
This was one of the first and best, simply because director Nicholas Meyer was so good at sci-fi. I fervently wish he had made a lot more movies.
Jul 3, 2016
znapper
Well worth the view and it's surprisingly hard-hitting, for an American movie.
TDA depict the full nuclear exchange between NATO and the Warsaw-pact and how this affect the population in and around Kansas.
I think TDA really works better as a pure movie, because it is. Compared to the UK-made "Threads", which is more of a docudrama, TDA sets the scene and develop the characters.
Many of the characters also survive the initial attack and we follow them 2-4 weeks after the initial attack.
Even though TDA was both politically incorrect at the time and is also pretty bleak and scary, it does fall into the trap of being more of a movie than a film meant to shock and present facts.
Some of the cheesy dialogue and characters also feels a little 'meh' (love stories, family-drama etc). Threads also has some of that, but avoid the most cheesy moments, because it's more 'real' than 'played out by actors'.
Anyway, TDA works well, it will keep you seated and you will indeed feel moved by the buildup and attack-scene, as well as the aftermath.
Acting is for the most part very good and the film flows nicely trough the story.
The thing I don't like too much with TDA, is that it does pull it's punches concerning the consequences of such a nuclear exchange and it does leave the viewer with a slightly positive outlook, that things will improve in time and that mankind will prevail.
Dr. Oakes, one of the main-characters in the film is probably the voice of the most realistic views on what is to come, but his views aren't lifted up as being the view of the movie itself.
Still a highly recommended film, it does cover a subject only covered properly by this and the UK made 'Threads'.
Feb 21, 2017
Nutshell
James Robards is exceptional in this sad nuclear holocaust fable, made for TV but a top notch production in most all respects.
Aug 3, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Day After examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nicholas Meyer 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 1983, 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 Day After took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1417 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 336 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Day After shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Picture of Unhealth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Day After subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Metropolis and Apocalypse Now explore similar territory, The Day After stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 20, 1983
- Runtime: 2h 7m
