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The House of Usher

The House of Usher (2007)

Sep 11, 2007 1h 20m Drama Horror Thriller

Three years after her lover, Rick Usher, and her best friend, Maddy Usher, had suddenly disappeared from her life without explanation, Jill Masters receives a phone call with news of Maddy's death. Her last wish was for Jill to attend her funeral. Conflicted, Jill returns to the house of Usher, a remote New England enclave. Her love affair with Rick is rekindled as she learns he suffers from the same malady that robbed his twin sister, Maddy, of her sharp mind before taking her life. His affliction is manifested in a rare nerve condition, which renders him hyper-sensitive. Under the watchful eye of the caretaker, Nurse Thatcher, Jill appears to be haunted by the ghost of Maddy, and the secret of the house of Usher is exposed.

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Directed by Hayley Cloake

Cast

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Austin Nichols
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Austin Nichols

as Roderick Usher

Izabella Miko
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Izabella Miko

as Jill Michaelson

Beth Grant
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Beth Grant

as Mrs. Thatcher

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Stephen Fischer

as Rupert Johnson

Crew

Director
  • Hayley Cloake
Writer
  • Collin Chang

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Thematic Analysis

This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The House of Usher presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Hayley Cloake 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 2007, 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 House of Usher took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 2221 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 11, 2007
  • Runtime: 1h 20m
  • Budget: $130,000
  • Revenue: $1,677

Where to Watch

Shout! Factory Amazon Channel

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