Cast
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Chad Allen
as Donald Strachey
Sebastian Spence
as Tim Callahan
Nelson Wong
as Kenny Kwon
Brittney Wilson
as Lilah
Sebastien Roberts
as Frank Zaillian
Daryl Shuttleworth
as Detective Bailey
Sherry Miller
as Joan Lenigan
Myron Natwick
as Brian Lenigan
Adrian Holmes
as Somerville
Jason Poulsen
as Jake Lenigan
P. Lynn Johnson
as Senator Lauren Platt
Taras Kostyuk
as
Gordon Tipple
as
Alfonso Quijada
as
Spencer Maybee
as
Crew
Director
- Ron Oliver
Writer
- Ron McGee
Producer
- Stephen P. Jarchow
- Paul Colichman
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Chad Allen brings a little charm to this, certainly the best of the pretty mediocre four film adaptations of the "Donald Strachey" PI investigations. This one sees him investigate when boyfriend "Tim" (Sebastian Spence) finds himself embroiled in a mystery surrounding a large bequest for his "safe zone" which all goes a bit south when a murder occurs. The original story covers a surprisingly varied series of topics - in a largely superficial fashion - including loyalty, obsession and child welfare issues which this effort makes a decent fist of as it rumbles along, but there is precisely zero chemistry between the two stars and the ending is a bit lacklustre. It's just about worth a watch, but only just....
Jun 22, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ice Blues examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ron Oliver 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 2008, 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 Ice Blues took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 921 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ice Blues shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita, which focuses more on action than character development, Ice Blues subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rosemary's Baby and The Omen explore similar territory, Ice Blues 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: October 12, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
