Cast
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Anne Archer
as Debby Franke Ogg
Sam Neill
as Oscar Ogg
Frances Lee McCain
as Susan
Louis Giambalvo
as Doctor Santini
Norman Parker
as Marty
James Hong
as Li
James Tolkan
as Doctor Siegel
Elizabeth Ruscio
as Kathy
CCH Pounder
as Roberta
Michael Constantine
as Doctor Rudolph
Kent Williams
as Doctor Simms
Kelly Wolf
as Sara
Aaron Lustig
as Doctor Kent
Tony Abatemarco
as Yogi Gupta
Dean Norris
as Richard
Crew
Director
- Stephen Gyllenhaal
Writer
- Bruce Hart
Producer
- Ira Marvin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Question of Faith 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 Stephen Gyllenhaal 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 1988, 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 Question of Faith took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Question of Faith shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Another Promise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Question of Faith offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Heavenly Creatures and Sommersby explore similar territory, Question of Faith 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: October 6, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 37m
