Cast
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Lee Curreri
as Christopher Newley
Tawny Kitaen
as Alley Daniels
Lloyd Bochner
as Frank Newley
May Heatherly
as Diana Newley
Simón Andreu
as Jean-Claude
Marina Saura
as Justine
LaGena Hart
as Jasper
Cal Gibson
as Delivery Man
Emiliano Redondo
as Dr. Navarro
Jack Taylor
as Journalist
Richard Blade
as Himself
Crew
Director
- Gil Bettman
Producer
- Carlos Vasallo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Crystal Heart 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 Gil Bettman 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 1986, 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 Crystal Heart took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 54 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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 Crystal Heart shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Muse: Hullabaloo - Live At Le Zenith - Paris, which focuses more on action than character development, Crystal Heart subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Blackout and Year of the Jellyfish explore similar territory, Crystal Heart stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: February 1, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 43m
