Cast
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Jaime Pressly
as Britt Shelley
Currie Graham
as Raley Gannon
Garwin Sanford
as Gary
Larissa Laskin
as Candy
Blu Mankuma
as Detective Clark
Marie Avgeropoulos
as Suzi
Katharine Isabelle
as Wife
Zak Santiago
as Detective Javier
Malcolm Stewart
as Bill Alexander
Martin Cummins
as Jay
Brendan Fletcher
as Pat Jr.
Dustin Brooks
as Cleveland
Alex Bruhanski
as Alex
John Cassini
as Sam
Brenda Crichlow
as Sue
Crew
Director
- Gary Yates
Writer
- Sandra Brown
- Karen Stillman
Producer
- Christian Bruyère
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Smoke Screen represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Crime/Mystery/Thriller 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 Gary Yates 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 2010, 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 Smoke Screen took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Smoke Screen shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Telefon, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Smoke Screen offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Criss Cross and Obsession explore similar territory, Smoke Screen 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 21, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Budget: $5,000,000
