Cast
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Peter Fonda
as Tom Hunter
Gino Franco
as Dylan Hunter
Harry Northup
as Sherrif Len Skerritt
Philip Carey
as Pierce Crabtree
Noble Willingham
as Senator Hingle
John Doucette
as Jeff Hunter
Scott Glenn
as Charlie Hunter
Lynn Lowry
as Lorene Maddox
Kathleen Miller
as Carolee Hunter
Ted Markland
as Hal Fraser
Laura Weatherford
as Fraser Child
Gerry Weatherford
as Fraser Child
Peter Fain
as Gillette
Al Wyatt Sr.
as Judge O'Connor
George Armitage
as Man playing tennis (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Jonathan Demme
Writer
- Jonathan Demme
Producer
- Roger Corman
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Land developers vs. rural property owners in Arkansas_**
A man returns from the big city to his traditional family ranch in northwest Arkansas (Peter Fonda), only to discover that a determined land developer (Philip Carey) is buying up land nearby for strip mining and, of course, wants his dad’s ranch. When beloved citizens turn-up dead, the kid gloves are off.
“Fighting Mad” (1976) comes in the tradition of “Walking Tall” and would influence “First Blood” six years later. Car crash movies from the 70s are also comparable, like Fonda’s own “Dirty Mary Crazy Larry.” This is the least of ’em, however, because the dramatics are curiously boring and needed a rewrite to flush out the potential, but it’s still worth catching if you like Peter and these types of flicks. The best parts are the vehicular mayhem and the closing confrontation at the castle-like manor of the tycoon.
It runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Washington County, Arkansas, and the corresponding town of Springdale, which are in the northwest corner of the state. The jail scenes were shot in the studio in Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-
Nov 21, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Fighting Mad 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 Jonathan Demme 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 1976, 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 Fighting Mad took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1177 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fighting Mad shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mortal Kombat, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Fighting Mad subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Last Boy Scout and The Polar Bear explore similar territory, Fighting Mad 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: February 21, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $600,000
