Cast
View AllJames F. Moore
as Chief Cooper
Sandy Schimmel
as Jan Cooper
Dave Bowling
as Mayor Reilly
Dan Myers
as The Creeper
Dennis Brennan
as Ben Fischer
Wes Olsen
as Brock Johnson
Susan Frawley
as Cheryl Tompkins
Elliot Fisher
as Timmy Simmons
Rocky Jackson
as Lt. Nelson
Ron Posey
as David Griffin
June Asher
as Kathy Freeman
Tony Medeiros
as Chuck McCalister
Nancy Frykman
as Mrs. Reilly
James Hull
as Mr. Freeman
Charline Freedman
as Mrs. Freeman
Crew
Director
- Wes Olsen
Writer
- Wes Olsen
Producer
- Wes Olsen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Dark Side of Midnight presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Wes Olsen 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 1984, 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 The Dark Side of Midnight took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1472 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 The Dark Side of Midnight shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hole, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dark Side of Midnight offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Fog and The Fog explore similar territory, The Dark Side of Midnight 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.
