Cast
View AllDavid Christopher Adamson
as Dave Miller
Lee Ann Nestegard
as Elizabeth Price
Ed Chester
as Barry McKee
Peter Roberts
as Alex Ramsey
John Tench
as Tony
Gary Bryant
as Dr. Farthing
Bonnie Beck
as Louise
Derrick Emery
as Chilco
George Bertwell
as Security Guard
Ron Rynka
as He-Man
Susan Hamann
as Del
Denyse Viney
as Woman Reporter
Andrea Sicova
as Caller
Ellis Rubin
as Caller
Natalie Fisher
as Policewoman
Crew
Director
- Robert Bouvier
Producer
- Robert Bouvier
- Andreas Schneider
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. City in Panic presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Bouvier 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 1987, 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 City in Panic took approximately 11 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 109 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1091 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, 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 City in Panic shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cold Prey, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, City in Panic subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Elder Island and A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge explore similar territory, City in Panic 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: September 12, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 25m
